The internet is a great resource for job seekers, but it can also be a bit overwhelming if you use it without a strategy. The best way to look for a job is by boosting your online presence through a professional website or LinkedIn profile. Search for job listings posted on a variety of graduate student organization sites for generic job boards. When you find a job that appeals to you, act fast and submit a professional application with strong support materials.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Establish a Professional Presence Online
Step 1. Create a LinkedIn profile
This is one of the main social networks used by employers looking for future employees. Creating a profile is relatively easy, and LinkedIn provides online instructions and directions to help users. After you've completed your profile, start sending invitations to your friends, family, and associated professionals. You can also ask your LinkedIn contacts to introduce you to other people, which will expand your potential job pool even further.
- It is important that your profile is 100% complete. Spend some time completing all the questionnaires on the website and uploading any professional documents you have available. Every time you make a major update to your resume, go ahead and upload the new document to your page.
- Since you can see who is viewing your LinkedIn Page, don't be afraid to contact them for advice or help. This is how many connections are made online.
- ZoomInfo is another site that can be beneficial for an online job search. If you create an account, it will give you access to up-to-date contact information for companies to contact them.
Step 2. Remove or hide negative search results
Enter your full name and initials in various search engines to see the results they return. Many potential employers will do this too, so it's a good way to determine what they might see. Take note of negative results so you can work to eliminate or hide them. The best way to do this is by posting additional positive updates about yourself on social media or another website and then wait for results.
If you are not showing up in any search, this can also be a problem. Keep track of these searches as you post your resume on job search sites
Step 3. Remove negative information about yourself on social media
Open each of the social networks, such as Facebook, and analyze the profile from top to bottom. Eliminate anything that is even bordering on unprofessional.
Step 4. Set the privacy settings of your social networks to "private"
Open the "Settings" menu of each of your social media profiles. Choose the privacy options "Private" or "Not public". This will limit the amount of personal information about you online.
Step 5. Comment on professional blogs or websites or create one
Visit professional blogs or websites in your area of interest and get in the habit of commenting or even submitting full entries. Try to make connections with other people you find connected and who share your ambitions. You can also upload videos of professional presentations that you have made.
You should consider starting your own blog or creating your own website. This will allow you to form what information is shown in search results about you. Keep the information focused on your professional life and use it as an opportunity to connect with others in your field
Part 2 of 3: Mastering the Job Search
Step 1. Focus on jobs that match your past experiences and skills
Use this information to create a list of types of jobs that you are suitable for and are interested in. Not being focused on an online job search can cost you valuable time, so the earlier you narrow your focus, the better off you will get.
- For example, it is probably too broad to say that you are interested in "sales." Start narrowing your search by asking yourself what kind of sales you enjoy, what kind of sales environment you want, and what your payment requirements are.
- Once you narrow down your search, start developing a list of key terms that you can enter into job search databases. For example, instead of "sales", you can enter "auto sales."
Step 2. Try generic job search websites
Sites like Monster, Askalo, or Indeed include many job listings. Its benefit is that large amounts of jobs are published from a wide range of professions. The downside is that you compete with many other people on each post.
- Many of these larger sites will also allow you to post your resume online for employers to see. If this is an option, do it.
- It's also a good idea to agree to receive emails from the site to inform you when a job in a certain category is posted.
Step 3. Contact yourself through social networks
As soon as you start your job search, create a post for each of your networks to let your contacts know that you are in the market. Mention your general skills and the types of jobs that may interest you. Conclude the post by asking for help with your search, whether this means your contacts share your post or comment to their friends or colleagues.
- For example, you could write "As everyone should know, I resigned from MTC Inc. about a week ago. I am currently in the process of looking for a job in print marketing. I would like to stay in the Denver area, if it is possible. Please let me know if you know of any good contacts or potential clients to contact. Thank you! "
- Don't be shy about sharing your job search on social media. Most people have been in a similar situation and will understand your motives.
- You can also share photos of yourself showing yourself "in action" in a work environment. If you are a teacher, for example, you can post photos of yourself working with students or standing in front of your previous class. However, some people prefer to keep Facebook and Instagram for personal stuff only, not professional use and that's a good option too.
Step 4. Search government websites
These sites range from those that cover a large number of federal positions to smaller search engines dedicated only to a certain type of government job or positions in a particular city. Unlike private industry search sites, these lists are generally scam-free.
Step 5. Check websites of professional organizations
Make a list of all the professional groups that you think are related to your future field of work. Go to their website to see if they offer any kind of professional job search help, either for their members or the general public. Additionally, many of these organizations offer mentors to people who are new to the field.
- For example, the American Historical Association (AHA) publishes a job board on its website with a list of new jobs with short descriptions and contact information.
- Other organizations, like Playbill, offer a list of more informal job opportunities.
Step 6. Use college and university websites
If you graduated from a certain department, don't be afraid to contact alumni during your online job search. Many colleges and universities have very active online organizations, and some even post job listings. If you become an active member, you can make professional contacts that can help you look for opportunities as well.
Step 7. Check local business websites
Most companies post jobs on their own websites before releasing this information to generic employment boards. Company job postings are also likely to include more detailed descriptions than elsewhere. If you are interested in a certain company, searching their website will let you know how to contact the human resources department.
Part 3 of 3: Successfully Apply for a Job
Step 1. Write a full resume
Create a resume that includes your current job title, any previous experience, your professional skills, and your educational background. Your name and contact information should appear at the top of the document. Save your resume in a number of different formats, such as PDF and doc, for easy submission.
- It's also helpful if you tailor your resume for any particular job posting that grabs your interest. For example, if the ad says they are looking for an "experienced technician," then you can use these exact words in your job description, too.
- Make sure your contact information, your email in particular, is professional. Most employers are not looking to hire "funnyface19".
Step 2. Write an outstanding cover letter
Most jobs ask you to upload a cover letter along with your resume and contact information. In your cover letter, expand on the skills mentioned in the resume. Your goal is for the letter to express both your personality and your professional skills.
Step 3. Apply only if you are eligible
It's a good idea to apply quickly to any job that matches your interests and abilities. However, make sure you don't waste time submitting information for jobs that you are unsuitable for. Instead, use the time to improve your resume and deepen your search online.
Step 4. Follow up on the application after 2-3 weeks
If you submitted your application through a website, then you may be able to log back into the site and check the status of your application. If you submitted the application by mail or email, then wait 2-3 weeks before contacting the prospect. It is best to call or email the human resources department.
- When requesting information on the status of your application, be sure to include your full name, a reference number (if you have one), and the original application date.
- It is important to adhere to any specific instructions given by a potential employer regarding the follow-up of your application. For example, some employers ask that you not contact them at all. Others ask you to wait until a certain amount of time has passed.
Step 5. Beware of recruitment scams
It's a good idea to be a little vigilant when looking for a job online. Avoid applying to jobs that ask you to make a down payment so that they will take you into account. Also, be careful with the information you provide in online applications and never send your bank or credit card details.