1. Don't know how to start? Think of the Internet as a funnel:
At the very top, the broadest type of search you can do is to type in key words using a search engine like Google or Yahoo. For example, if you want to work in the field of social services in Southern California, you can type in "social service agencies, Los Angeles". The results should provide you with at least one or two useful links. Also try additional searches using different key words that relate to what you are looking for. The purpose of this type of search is to locate websites that may have good resources and information for you. In the above example, I was able to locate a great website http://www.resourcedirectory.com/ that provides links to social service organizations in the Southern California area.
The next level would be job search websites such as Careerbuilder, Monster, and Hotjobs. On these sites you can find jobs in your area that have been posted by employers. You can also post your resume on these sites in the hopes that an employer will contact you. It's a convenient one-stop shop, however, keep in mind a very small percent of job seekers actually land jobs by simply posting their resume online.
A half step below the large job search engines would be the smaller, community-based sites such as Craigslist.org. I would recommend these sites because they tend to be on a more person to person level. The likelihood of someone actually receiving your resume is much higher (especially if you follow tip #3).
Finally, at the bottom of the funnel is the employer's website. This is where you want to end up. Most organizations have fully developed websites with useful information about who they are, what they do, where they are, and most importantly, how you can be one of them! Usually to get to their job postings you will find a link titled employment, job openings, careers, join us etc. All websites are formatted differently, but hopefully the link is clearly posted at the top, sides or bottom of the front page. However, sometimes you need to dig a little further into the website. Usually links titled about us, contact us, human resources etc. will help you locate the employment section. Occasionally, the website won't have an employment section or you may have a difficult time finding it. In this case, you pick up the phone. Don't be afraid to contact the organization to inquire about how they post their employment opportunities.
2. Look Further.
When your search is stuck at the top and mid sections of the funnel, you need to take it a step further by doing some investigative work. For example, say you are in Careerbuilder and you found a job posting that sounded interesting, but you didn't quite meet the qualifications they were asking for. That's okay. If the position sounds interesting, there is a good chance that the organization may have or will have other positions that you will be interested in. Locate their website by doing a Google search, or even better, Careerbuilder sometimes provides a direct link as well. Taking that extra step will really help because as I mentioned earlier, you want to end up at the employer website to get the most accurate, up to date information available since it comes directly from the source.
3. Look Often.
You've probably heard this before, but I'll say it anyway: Finding a job is a job in itself. If you are in serious need of a new job, you need to make your job search a top priority. That means spending at least 2 - 3 hours of your day searching, networking, or applying for a job. This is especially important when it comes to doing an online search. The speed of communication is now virtually instantaneous and you need to keep up. For example, on an average day, an employer can post a job on Craigslist first thing in the morning and by the end of the workday, she may receive a few dozen resumes and cover letter emails. If you wait three or fours days to send in your application materials for that job, you may have missed the boat. I recommend that you log on every day and respond to appealing job postings asap.
4. Keep tabs.
As you are searching online, keep track of all the websites you visited and highlight the organizations that you are particularly interested in . Adding their website address to your favorites list is a great way to save time and will help you to keep up with tip #3. Also, note where and when you sent your resume, in the event that when an employer calls, you will have something to refer to.
5. Re-Evaluate.
If you are following all of the above tips, and are still not getting calls for interviews, then you need to re-evaluate a few things. First, ask yourself if you really are qualified for the positions you are applying for. Do you meet most or all of their requirements? If not, then chances are you are being past over for more qualified individuals. If you do meet the requirements, then you need to reconsider how you are presenting yourself in your application materials. It's possible your resume may need some fine tuning. You should always tailor your resume (within honest and legal limits) for each position. How about your cover letter? Is it well written? Does it provide detailed evidence of your qualifications? Are you not including a letter at all? If you are just emailing your resume without a proper cover letter, some employers may not even consider your application.
6. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
The Internet should not be the only place you go to for information about job opportunities. Even though many people find jobs online, networking is still the most effective way to land a job. Don't isolate yourself in cyberspace. Let everyone in your personal and professional networks know what kind of job your looking for. You never know when a friend of a friend has connections at the great school/agency/organization that you would love to work for.
- Jessica
