Tips For Job Searching Online
People who are seeking employment use the public computers on a daily basis to peruse through openings and descriptions, hoping that at some point, clicking “Apply” will translate to a “You’re Hired.” Many libraries even offer resume workshops and business writing courses, some for free, as well as software classes.
Here are some job searching sites from the Birmingham Public Library Subject Guides Resources and other job search engines that could open doors:
- Alabama JobLink offers all the services provided by the Alabama Career Center System, including information for jobs in the state of Alabama and job fairs.
- Al.com combines job listings from regional newspapers and news media, allowing job seekers to customize their search by industry, region, or skills.
- Job Quest is your gateway to civil service in Jefferson County, Alabama
- CareerBuilder also has millions of job postings as well as thousands of employers and headhunters for potential candidates.
- Craigslist is probably best known for classified ads, but many employers also post open positions on the job board. It is especially helpful when you are looking for jobs in your area.
- Indeed combs other job sites, news media, and company sites for job postings. Unlike CareerBuilder, it isn’t a full-service job search site, but it will provide you with links and the option to get email alerts.
- LinkedIn is a social networking site emphasizing on professional networking and career advancement. Rather than sorting through hundreds of databases, you can obtain a position from your networks or by companies looking at your professional profile.
- Monster.com has more than a million job postings and has one of the largest job search databases. The site also offers advice about careers and information about companies.
In accessing these sites, it’s important to remember basic job searching strategies. Though online sites may seem impersonal, it is still important that job seekers set themselves apart from the hundreds of applicants. While you’re applying and weeding through all the postings, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Be selective about the process, if you can. There are thousands of jobs out there, but choose one that fits your interest and in your career path. If you cannot afford to be picky, then choose a job in which you will be comfortable until you find the job you want. However, seeking a permanent employment is preferable to your career path as well as to you employer.
- Don’t apply for jobs above your education and qualification level. However, it’s okay to go beyond your comfort level. There’s nothing wrong for reaching outside the box, but make sure you’re qualified. Companies will only ignore your application if you don’t meet requirements they need or want in a candidate. If you don’t have some skills, take a class or learn on your own. Take the initiative to fill those areas where you might be lacking.
- Watch out for scams. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Those promising quick and easy income or asking for fees or other personal information are more likely scams. Also, if you are being asked to pay a fee, do some research to make sure the company is legitimate.
- Make it personal. A cover letter that’s well-written and customized demonstrates that you have put thought and research into a company. This is your chance to showcase your qualifications as it relates to the company’s requirements and interests.
- Check your spelling and grammar. Don’t neglect the basics. When you submit your cover letter, resume, and application, you want to make sure that they are free of typos and errors. Also, don’t go overboard with fonts and formatting. While you want to stand out, you want to do it in a good way. You don’t want your resume to look like the font machine regurgitated everything it had in its system.
Submitted Farah A. Ferguson
Central Library
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