Over the past decade, the job search process has evolved to
utilize the time and money-saving resources created in this
electronic age. Computers and the Internet have opened new
doors, providing us opportunities for analyzing our skills,
networking with employers and obtaining the perfect job.
With easy 24-hour access to job listings and employer information,
it is tempting to conduct your entire job search online, but it is
important to continue other job search techniques as
well.
How do you get hired in today’s electronic age without hiding
behind your computer? Follow these tips:
Use Keywords to Create a Searchable Resume
Many employers have adopted applicant-tracking software, which
creates a resume database that allows recruiters to easily sort,
scan and evaluate resumes by using keywords. Therefore, it is
crucial to create a resume that is compatible with this database
search technology. Keywords are nouns (a person, place or
thing) or noun phrases that explain skills and experience. For
example, in the phrase “conducted cost analysis” the “cost
analysis” part of the phrase serves as noun phrase keywords.
To develop your keywords, start by researching employment ads for
your desired position and pulling buzzwords from the descriptions,
such as “strategic planning,” “project management,” and
“team-building.”
Format Your Electronic Resume Appropriately
Most employers now require that you submit an electronic resume,
which differs slightly from a paper resume. Although it’s been
popular to send a word processing file, more and more employers are
requiring that employees do not open attachments from strangers, so
it’s best to send a plain text resume in the body of the
e-mail. A plain text resume includes the same content as your
formatted resume without all of the fancy fonts, bolding,
underlining, bulleting, etc. This allows your resume to be
read by all computers, easily submitted to applicant-tracking
software and included in the body of an e-mail.
If you are creating a resume that will be posted on the Web, also
make sure it is cyber safe to protect your privacy. Provide
minimum contact information and never include personal information
such as bank account, credit card, driver’s license or social
security numbers; date of birth; or, your mother’s maiden name. Do
not include your references’ contact information either, as it’s
important to protect their identity as well.
Sign Up for an E-mail Address
In today’s electronic age, it is imperative that you have an e-mail
address for sending your resume to employers or posting your resume
online. There are a number of free Web-based e-mail accounts
such as
www.hotmail.com or
www.yahoo.com, that allow you
to get mail from any computer.
Utilize Online Sources for Career Research and Job
Searches
Not only can you search for jobs online, with a number of sources
such as the
Employ Florida
Marketplace you can also research specific occupations, analyze
your skills to find an occupation that best suits you, find
training or educational programs, obtain assistance in looking for
a new job, learn how to develop resumes and cover letters, and
access information on labor market trends and economic and
demographic data.
Other sites that may help you in your career research and job
searches include (but are not limited to):
Monster.com,
CareerBuilder.com,
Yahoo Hot Jobs and
SnagAJob.com. Also check websites
related to your industry and use search engines to target your
search.
Research a Company Before Sending a Resume
With search engines such as Google and Yahoo, finding information
about a company you may wish to work for is easy, so there is no
excuse not to be familiar with a company before you submit your
resume. Visit the company’s Web site by utilizing a search
engine such as Google.com or Yahoo.com, or consider searching for
the company on business sites such as the
Better Business Bureau,
Bloomberg.com,
Superpages.com and the
U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Network, Network, Network
Networking is crucial during a job search today, especially since
the Internet has increased the number of resumes that employers
receive. The connections you make or have in place can help
you significantly in your job search by possibly introducing you to
the hiring manager, providing job leads (including unadvertised
openings), providing insight on career fields or reviewing your
resume.
How do you grow your network? First, brainstorm a list of
everyone you know, such as your friends, family, neighbors, past
coworkers, past bosses, college alumni, etc. and begin networking
with those you know.
Also, take advantage of job fairs. Although many employers at
a job fair will require that you submit an electronic resume online
or through their applicant-tracking software, use job fairs as an
opportunity to build your network. Where else will you find
multiple employers all in one place that are looking to speak to
you? Even if the employer is not exactly your dream job, take
the opportunity to meet the representatives and tell them what
you’re looking for. They may have a friend who is looking to
hire someone with your skills.
Utilize Social Networking Sites
Social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace and
Twitter can be valuable tools to finding employment. These
sites provide an additional opportunity for networking with
experienced workers in your field or with company representatives
where you would like to work. In addition, some companies are
using social networking sites to search for talent and to post job
openings. By utilizing these sites, you can get a foot in the
door before an interview and learn valuable personal information
that may help you to connect with a future boss in an
interview.
For example, follow
WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA on
Twitter or
become a fan on Facebook.
Of course, this same openness that allows you to connect with
friends, family and colleagues can hinder your job search as
well. For example, employers can now evaluate you before you
even apply, just with a quick Google search.
Follow Up With Employers
Although some job searching techniques have changed in the last
decade, following-up with employers has remained. Enhance your
chances of getting a job by following up with the employer via
phone or e-mail after you’ve submitted your resume. By
contacting the employer, you show initiative, persistence and
professionalism, skills that many employers are seeking in a
candidate. After an interview, it is also important to
write a thank-you note and send it via e-mail or mail.
In the electronic age the Internet has become an important resource
for job seekers, whether finding a job, researching statistics on a
company or discovering what type of career to
explore. Although the Internet is a good resource, it’s
important to make this only a part of your job search
strategy.
