Top 10 Ways To Use The Web To Job Search

Admittedly, I’m not a huge fan of spending hours online trying to find a job. I’ve found that sites like Monster and CareerBuilder, while a valuable resource, lead to job search frustration and disillusionment faster than more effective search strategies like networking and directly targeting preferred companies.

But that doesn’t mean I’ve given up on the web entirely. Here are my favorite ways to strategically use the web in your job search and boost your chances of success.

1. Google yourself. See what comes up. Some employers are doing this, so it’s best to know what they might see. Clean up any blogs, youtube contributions, myspace sites, etc that could diminish your professional image. You can also google potential bosses, coworkers or companies to learn more about them.

2. Set Google Alerts (http://www.google.com/alerts) on the focus of your career search. You can set an alert for articles about a specific company, specific job title, or just a set of keywords related to the work you want to do. You can set local, regional or national alerts.

3. Target Specialized Job Search Sites. I like www.RileyGuide.com for links to specialized job search sites such as Non Profits, Political, Women, Over 50, Religious careers and more.

4. Expand Your Network. A great online networking site is www.LinkedIn.com.

5. Expand Your Possibilities. Use sites like Monster, CareerBuilder, and Indeed.com to help you research job titles you may be a fit for. Search for keywords using skills you have or want to use in a new job and see what titles surface. Then begin searching for similar titles in your preferred city or state. Sample job postings can also be great tools to figure out what the most important skills and abilities are for the type of job you want. Then you make sure to orient your resume around these themes.

6. Research Jobs or Careers. O*Net Online is a great database that describes jobs in detail . You can run searches using keywords to find out about job titles that fit your skills, experience or interest or you can look up detailed job descriptions of specific titles. Visit it at http://online.onetcenter.org/.

7. Find Out What The Going Rate Is. Visit www.Salary.com to research salary ranges for common jobs.

8. Add pizzazz to Your Resume. www.VisualThesaurus.com can help you find just the right words for your resume and other job search materials.

9. Research Potential Employers. Get the inside scoop on what employees really think (versus what the company website says). Visit www. Vault.com to read up on companies of interest.

10. Considering Relocating? Find cities that may suit you (and your family) best by taking the online quiz at http://www.findyourspot.com/.

These are my top 10 sites for supporting you in finding a fulfilling career that fits your priorities and goals. I’d love to hear what sites you like to use and why. I may feature some of your spotlight sites in future newsletters.

About the Author

© 2006, Shawn Driscoll, Succeed Coaching & Development. This article is provided courtesy of Shawn Driscoll, Career Success Coach and owner of www.succeedcoaching.com. Professionals: upgrade your work life today! We provide products and services to help you succeed at work, in business and in life. Sign up to receive your free Success Wise ezine–and get success tips, inspiration, and resources to skyrocket your success–at www.succeedcoaching.com.

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