Job Search

Insight for Online Search
Dominique Koukol

There are so many job search engine sites available on the internet, one can easily get “lost in the mire”. Here’s a few ideas to help you prioritize:

Does the site notify you of new jobs with the criteria you select? Sites vary on the name of this tool. So look for it. It may be called job agent or job messenger…. This tool can save you hours.
Does the site have a resume bank? Does it provide opportunity for you to post a cover letter? Does it allow for you to store more than one resume and profile? Can you easily upload your resume?

There are also many rarely known techniques for making your resume highly visible in an electronic data base. Be sure to renew and update your resume at least once a month. Most job search banks allow employers to search for resumes by most recent dates posted or updated. Many sites also purge their resume databases after 90 days.

It is best to choose up to 3-5 sites to post your resume on which are the most relevant to your job search needs. Hopefully these tips will help you prioritize and get started.

Here are some general sites:

www.monster.com

www.careerbuilder.com

www.flipdog.com

www.job-hunt.com

www.employment911.com

www.localcareers.com

These 3 are executive job sites:

.www.netshare.com

www.careerjournal.com

www.execunet.com

Another way to job search online is through professional associations. Most professional associations have job board postings for listings specific to a profession. Some even allow you to post your resume. Though many of these associations have annual dues, it is well worth the small cost to have access to job postings in your specific field.

Additionally, it is helpful to be networking online. One such professional networking tool is Linked in. This site allows you to post a profile, recommendations and get connected with other professionals. Additionally many major cities have local Linked In meeting groups. These groups are generally made of professionals networking to advance their careers. Often, there is a Yahoo! LinkedIn group which you can join to network online regarding local opportunities. To learn more about this professional networking site visit www.linkedin.com.

To your Success,
Dominique

Dominique@jobseekersgold.com

Ok, when you’re in a lay off situation, it’s time to start pulling out all the stops and call in all of those favors, and maybe even some you don’t have in the bank. You will be surprised how much people will want to help.

In today’s economy, everyone knows it could be them next, so folks can identify with you and are eager to help.

If you’ve got pride in this area, swallow it. This is not a personal situation or reflection on you. People by nature like to help. Let them.

There are many resources beyond the online option to networking. Though there are also many networking sites as well which specifically are meant to help people connect with others professionally. If you aren’t already registered, check out www.linkedin.com .

• Start with your professional references. Keep them updated to your situation and send them an updated copy of your resume. If you need help with that, check out my Job Seekers Gold e-book, The One-Day Resume. Or, if you need more hands on help, check out the different levels of help with resumes and other aspects of job hunting with my Job Seekers Gold Club memberships.

• Go through your wallet for business cards you kept, through your rolodex, email address book, whatever you have where you kept contacts. Update them and make sure you continue to keep in touch with them even after you have successfully landed another job. Send an annual Christmas card or something. And don’t forget to thank them for their help.

• Contact previous employers or previous colleagues. Some employers are now even hosting alumni associations. Some of those folks may also be in professional associations where they can put out some feelers for you.

* Are you a vet? Many military units and organizations have their own associations and web pages. Not sure where to start? Try "Googling" your old units or military organizations. You'll be surprised with the connections you find!

• If you went to college, contact the alumni association. This is not just for recent grads. It gives you access to a data base of folks who will be responsive for the commonality you share.

• Share your situation with family, friends and folks at church or parent associations while you are at the high school baseball game or track meet. You never know who knows someone working at a company and can get you a contact or introduction. If you volunteer for anything, this is also another good resource. Folks who have seen you “in action” will be willing to put in a good word or pass on a resume to a friend for you.

If you have any other ideas or positive experiences to share, please contact me.