We all know how frustrating job searching can be. Scarce are the days of picking up a newspaper and finding that perfect job opening, or walking into an establishment and simply asking to fill out an application.
Today it’s all about the online job search, which is most commonly conducted through job boards. However, with the overwhelming number of job boards, and the consistently changing structure and expectations of those job boards, it’s hard to know how to get the most value out of your online job search.
Here are 5 tips that may help you along the way:
1. Know what you’re looking for.
Popular job boards are often home to millions of job listings, so if you go into your job search looking for any job in any location, you’re going to spend countless hours sifting through the results. You will be much better served having a semi-specific occupation or company and location in mind before beginning your search.
2. Tailor your resume
It’s important to have a well-written resume that details all of your accomplishments. However, many companies today use automated applicant tracking systems to pick out what resumes will be read by a human and what resumes will simply be discarded. By placing some of the keywords in the job posting on your resume, you will increase your chances of getting through the system.
3. Write a custom cover letter
Just as with your resume, your cover letter can benefit from including some of the same keywords that are in the job posting. But it’s more important to write a custom, genuine cover letter for each position you’re applying for, because if your application does make it to a human, you will have a much better chance of attracting their attention if you put in the effort to show you’re actually interested in the job.
4. Don’t give up
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the perfect job opening the first time you search. It will take a vested amount of time, preparation and persistence to find just the job you’re looking for.
5. Follow through
Especially with the current economy, companies are receiving more job applications than they ever have before, so don’t expect them to automatically get in touch with you right away. If you really think you’re qualified for the position and are getting impatient, don’t be afraid to send the company an e-mail or give them a phone call and ask if they received your application and if you can come in for an interview. Don’t harass the company, but showing a little initiative can go a long way.
Guest article by Jen Carpenter, Jobing.com
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#1 by Jobs on March 23, 2010 - 4:50 am
I think knowing what you are looking for is very important, a lot of people go into Job search without actually remembering the the kind of Job that initially brought them to the site, they kind of rush in and rush out, no adequate preparations of their CV’s or cover letter and yet they always complain that the Jobs don’t come, how will the Jobs come if no adequate preparations have been made?