You don't have to be a techie to find jobs in the Internet. Just tap into the Internet's vast career resources, read the classifieds, research companies, post your resume and you will probably land a great new job - all at your fingertips. Today's employers are filling the Web with thousands of opportunities in mostly all fields. With more than 30,000 career-related Web sites out there, the challenge is not finding the opportunities, though, but homing in on the ones that are right for you. Here are six steps to help you use the Web to make your next career move.
1. Cast the Net wide
Begin by reviewing a few catchall career sites like
www.careercity.com and www.careermosaic.com
They will give you a good introduction to the online job market, let you search ads by type of job and locations, and invite you to post your resume online. Just be sure the site you are using is current. Every listing should be dated, and none should be older than two months.
2. Zero in
Focus on sites that specialize in a certain industry or location.
America's Job Bank lists government jobs: www.ajb.dnj.us
The Chronicle of Higher Education's Web site posts jobs for teachers: www.chronicle.merit.edu
To find sites for your field, start with a search engine and perform a keyword search (refer back to Market Thyself # 035 - Web Search Engines (No 1 - Job Surf Series)). You should also visit your industry's trade group and professional association online such as www.vacets.org or www.ieee.com, etc.
3. Act locally
Search classified ads at your local newspaper's Web site or on databases that allow you to sort listings by city or state, advises Marc Snyder, who runs the Career Resource Center www.careers.org
Check out the help-wanted ads for more than 30 daily papers at
www.careerpath.com
4. Target specific firms
Use the Web to investigate companies that spark your interest. The site for Fortune magazine lists 100 companies that offer childcare, education benefits and stock options.
www.fortune.com
Many firms post internal job opportunities rather than pay recruiters. So you should look at the Web sites of target employers as well.
5. Post your resume
If you want your next employer to find you, put your resume on as many of the general career sites as you can, as well as specialized sites. It's a good idea to cram yours with as many pertinent nouns as possible (refer back to Market Thyself # 38 - The Scanner-friendly Resume (No 2 - Job Surf Series)), according to Greg Osberg, president of a New York City-based recruiting firm.
This will help employers' search engines locate you. To prevent your current employer from discovering your resume, post it only on sites that offer the new technology to block access to individuals or companies of your choosing, advises Osberg. Be sure to read each site's privacy policy before posting your resume.
6. Take the next step
You've found the job description of your dreams. Now it's time to make contact. Since the position is posted online, send your resume and a cover letter via e-mail. Once an employer contacts you, the company will probably initiate an in-person interview or let you know if it wants to continue via e-mail. After the meeting, send a follow-up note or e-mail (refer back to Market Thyself # 039 - The Most Used Letters).
(Linda Stern)