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.
yeah, looking through the newspaper classifieds was the way to do it way back when. How complicated things have become!
My roommate has had great success searching for jobs using Craig’s List. She has been called back a few times in the matter of a week or so. I think that the search engines are very helpful to those who are searching for a job or another job that better fits them.
I am a huge fan of craigs list job postings. I know with sites like monster I often got e-mail after e-mail offering me an amazing position at the bottom rung of a pyramid scheme. Not exactly what I was looking for. At least with Craigs list I could be more selective. I also found it helpful to make an excel sheet to track which posting I had contacted and when so I would not waste time sending my resume over and over again to the same company.
All are excellent suggestions. I would also recommend using your alma mater’s website. I know that many colleges offer free career services, including job searching, for students and alumni. I am consistently browsing job listings on my career services site. Go Buffs.
Everything is digital these days. It’s our world’s natural progression. If you don’t know how to apply/contact a potential job online, than employers are probably going to assume you aren’t familiar with using a computer or the internet. Obviously, these skills are becoming more and more of a requirement for all jobs. Even fast food places and gas stations all have touch screen registers now.
From personal experience, applying for a job online can be a little discouraging. You’re not speaking to someone face to face, and you assume your odds are worse based on the amount of other potential applicants. I think this will fade over the next few years and we’ll come to a point where its simply the norm to apply via internet. Thanks for the suggestions IAS, you always provide some good insight on where and how to get a job in a struggling economy.