It used to be newspaper classifieds were all you really needed as far as finding available employment, but times have changed and the best place to start your search for employment will be online.

It used to be newspaper classifieds were all you really needed as far as finding available employment, but times have changed and the best place to start your search for employment will be online.

Utilizing online resources can really help expedite your search due to the sheer amount of information websites and other resources provide right at the swipe of a few keystrokes. Job sites, bulletin boards, forums, discussion groups and even more can provide you with job postings, advice, guides and more that can help you find an open position in the industry you’re geared for…or maybe just something to help you keep up with your bills for the time being.

Job Search Sites

There are several sites whose dedicated focus is to list jobs and that’s all. These sites typically have advanced search functions that let you tailor your search so you can look for jobs that match your salary requirements, skill set, industry and even distance from where you live, so you can determine if it’s within your commute radius. You can also post your resume online so that employers can browse what you have to offer and, with luck, you may be contacted by an interested party.   Especially valuable sites include Indeed.com & SimplyHired.com.

Craigslist

Without a doubt, Craigslist is the one site you can go to to find almost anything you’re looking for and that includes employment opportunities. There are multiple categories you can search for: from office jobs to creative work, to manual labor and much more. Craigslist also offers search filters so you can tailor your search to specific areas, salary ranges and more.

Newspaper Websites

Newspaper classifieds have gone digital and are still a good place to look for work. Many online newspaper sites offer links to their classified section that will often have a dedicated section for employment currently being offered by local businesses.

Company Websites

What industry interests you in particular? For a truly focused search, try entering the name of your chosen industry along with an area you’d like to work in. Chances are you’ll get several hits back listing the websites of businesses both large and small in your area. Most business websites will almost always have a section where they list employment & career opportunities.  Some even let you apply online.

Temporary Agencies

Temporary agencies can help you find the job you’re looking for, but with so many out there with a specific industry focus, how do you know which one will work best for you? By going online, you can research which one works best for you and which industry they target.  This will allow you to get a jump start by registering with them online, saving you time in a face to face interview. Some agencies will even list current assignments they are hiring qualified talent for.

Job Search and Career Advice Forums

Feeling lost? Lonely? Think you’re the only person looking for work online? Far from it! There are lots of people out there who have banded together to form online meeting groups and forums where individuals can discuss job leads, network, share hiring advice, interview tips, resume services, cover letter critiques and more. These online communities can not only share valuable information to help you in your search, but also boost your morale by letting you know there are others out there in your situation working just as hard for positive change.

Other Helpful Tips

Search filters are your friend! Learning how to use them properly can help you narrow your search down and cut down on time wasted sifting through jobs you may not be qualified for or simply don’t fall in line with your career ambitions. Most sites offer filter functions that, as we mentioned earlier, can narrow your search down to a specific industry, salary range, location and even commute time. Narrowing your search for what you really want will save you time, energy and resources in the long run.

How an employment advertisement is laid out  can often give you a clue if something is legitimate or bogus. Watch out for employment ads that sound too good to be true! Lots of catch phrases, exclamation points, capital letters and promises of thousands of dollars weekly are all red flags to watch.

Most employers will have you contact them via email first so they may examine your resume first and then contact you directly if they are interested. MOST ads that have a direct number for you to call and promise immediate interviews are suspect. Trust me, I have followed these types of leads before and found myself lured into “get rich quick” seminars or door to door sales positions peddling questionable air purifiers.

Utilize these online resources and tips and you’re sure to be more successful in your job search.

Losing focus and concentration can happen to the best of us.

If you’ve ever clocked in at a job, you’ll know that everyone has at one time or another had trouble maintaining their focus on the task at hand. Well, maybe not everyone. I won’t deny there are a few hardy souls out there that lock themselves into work mode and stay that way throughout the day minus a break or two and lunch hour.

But then there are the rest of us. You’ve been working on that inventory in Excel for a good three hours and suddenly you hit the wall and despite your best efforts, each click of the mouse feels like a ninety pound bench press. Your eyes are going everywhere, BUT the screen. The internet is calling out to you like a beckoning siren. With each minute you’re spacing out more and more. It seems all is lost.

Well no, not really.

Losing focus and concentration can happen to the best of us. Even with the best intentions and dedication to a specific task, sometimes it seems difficult to stay on track. Often, it’s a combination of mind and body signaling that it’s time for a break or a change of focus in order to keep one stimulated, awake and aware of what needs to be done.

In these situations the best thing to do is take a step back and assess your situation.

What exactly is it that’s causing you to lose focus? It might be that you’ve been focused on a particular task for too long and your brain is feeling a little dulled. Maybe your body’s energy level needs a boost in the form of a beverage or snack.

Once you’ve taken account of how you’re feeling, see what kind of time or resources you have available to refresh yourself. Get up, stretch, step outside for a breath of fresh air, go sip some cool water, grab a snack from the break room, walk around and get a little blood flowing. A combination of these activities in just five minutes can revitalize your senses and get you back on track.

You might also just need to switch your tasks up. If you’ve made good headway on an assignment, but can’t bear to work on it anymore, put your multitasking skills to good use and switch over to something else for a while before coming back to your primary task at hand. New tasks equal new mental stimulation and will wake your brain up.

If being able to stay on track and remain focused on the task at hand eludes you, another simple method involves reminding yourself why you’re there doing and what you’re doing.  Maybe you’re saving up for a trip somewhere; you’re working hard to put a son or daughter through school; or your employment is helping you finish school. Reminding yourself of the goals you’re working towards can help you see past the immediate situation and the rewards you can expect if you just stick to your work and persevere.

And if all else fails, try speaking with your supervisor. More than likely they have been where you have at one point and they can offer you advice and guidance to stay on track. If it’s a question of the nature of your work, they might be able to offer you new tasks and responsibility to keep things fresh or change your daily schedule up so you can avoid a numbing routine.

Focus can be lost but it’s easily found again if you just know how by using some of the simple suggestions mentioned above.