Do you see a drinking glass as half empty or half full? During these challenging economic times, there seem to be several causes for pessimism. The entire global economy has fallen into a recession. The scarcity of credit has made it more challenging to purchase houses, cars, and sometimes even basic items via our credit cards. Sometimes it seems as though the recession has affected virtually every aspect of our lives.
The global recession has had one of its greatest influences on employment. In the news we daily hear of companies downsizing and making positions redundant. However, not all of the news is negative. Numerous companies have streamlined their operating costs, have remained profitable, and are even creating jobs. Furthermore, the Internet has made the process of applying for a job much easier. Here are some tips to improve your online search for a job:
1. Create a solid resume
The resume is the mean by which you introduce yourself to potential employers. Thus, it is important to create a quality resume that distinguishes you from the other applicants.
Before submitting your resume after using a job search engine, make sure to highlight your strengths, particularly as they relate to the position for which you are applying. You should also include important details, without overwhelming potential readers with them.
Make sure always to include particular components in your resumes. The objective section should include the "direction" you want to take in your employment. Instead of including "gaps" in your resume to account for times that you were not employed, you should mention what you were doing during that time (i.e. full-time parent, full-time student, etc). Another important component of your resume is references. Quality references include past supervisors, professors, etc. Finally, check the entire resume’s spelling and grammar before submitting it. In theory, there should be no such errors in your resume.
2. Create multiple resumes
It is important to tailor your resume for a particular type of position. Employers do not want to read a resume that is for a general type of position. Thus, it is important to tailor the resume for a particular type of position and for a particular company. Ensure that you are capable of providing provide an employer with the skills and experience that they are seeking.
3. Use a quality cover letter
When applying online for a job during your employment search, the cover letter is an important component. The cover letter should be no longer than one page. Make sure to be polite, yet straight-to-the-point. Remember that you should focus on what you can do for an employer, rather than what the employer can do for you. Thus, you should focus on what specific skills and experiences for which the employer is searching, and then tailor your cover letter and resume towards that. You should also write the cover letter for a specific company. Do some research to obtain a better understanding about the company’s vision.
It is important to focus not only on the content of the cover letter (and resume), but also on its formatting. Make sure to proofread it carefully, to correct any spelling or grammatical errors. One method you can use is to have another person proofread the cover letter and resume as well. Sometimes others can catch errors that we may have missed.
4. Use a job search engine
Job search engines are an excellent tool for conducting a job search on the Internet. Such search engines greatly reduce the amount of time and energy required to conduct your job search online. Many of them have filters that allow you to conduct a more precise search, involving various factors, such as:
• Employers
• Keywords
• Locations
Undoubtedly, job search engines make it easier for you to match up your own skills and experiences, with those that employers are seeking. It allows you to make a more precise search, rather than one that is less focused. Ultimately, this will save you a tremendous amount of time since you search for jobs at a single site, rather than at several different sources.
Many job search sites also include e-mail alerts, which inform you when particular positions that match the type of positions for which you searched, are available. Such alerts are very convenient, as the jobs literally come to you, instead of you searching for the jobs!
5. Review a job search site’s privacy policy
It is important to review a job search company’s privacy policy, prior to submitting your resume to it. The privacy policy is a legal document that explains how such companies will manage your personal data. The majority of job search sites post their privacy policies. It is important for you to print out a hardcopy version of the privacy policy and retain a copy for your personal records.
When accessing a job search website, what specifics should you look for in a privacy policy? Examine how the website handles different personal information, including your registration information and resume. Learn how the website stores, utilizes, and shares that information. One of the most important matters is how long the site will store your resume. The privacy policy should include a specific timeframe regarding this matter (i.e. 1-6 months). After landing a job, you certainly do not want a job search website to continue distributing your resume.
6. Use professional networking sites
Online social networking has become one of the most effective ways to access literally millions of professionals in your profession. Sites of such organizations can connect you to businesses with job openings that match up well with your skills and experiences. This is a tremendous improvement from the old process of exchanging business cards.
During challenging economic times, finding a job can be quite challenging. Sometimes the procedure may seem overwhelming or frustrating. Fortunately, following the aforementioned tips and using tools such as an online job search engine can make your glass seem half full, and your e-mail box full of job offers!
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