Over the past decade, the job search process has evolved to utilize the time and money-saving resources created in this electronic age. Computers and the Internet have opened new doors, providing us opportunities for analyzing our skills, networking with employers and obtaining the perfect job.
With easy 24-hour access to job listings and employer information, it is tempting to conduct your entire job search online, but it is important to continue other job search techniques as well.
How do you get hired in today’s electronic age without hiding behind your computer? Follow these tips:
Use Keywords to Create a Searchable Resume
Many employers have adopted applicant-tracking software, which creates a resume database that allows recruiters to easily sort, scan and evaluate resumes by using keywords. Therefore, it is crucial to create a resume that is compatible with this database search technology. Keywords are nouns (a person, place or thing) or noun phrases that explain skills and experience. For example, in the phrase “conducted cost analysis” the “cost analysis” part of the phrase serves as noun phrase keywords.
To develop your keywords, start by researching employment ads for your desired position and pulling buzzwords from the descriptions, such as “strategic planning,” “project management,” and “team-building.” For more information on developing keywords to create a searchable resume visit www.WorkforceCentralFlorida.com.
Format Your Electronic Resume Appropriately
Most employers now require that you submit an electronic resume, which differs slightly from a paper resume. Although it’s been popular to send a word processing file, more and more employers are requiring that employees do not open attachments from strangers, so it’s best to send a plain text resume in the body of the e-mail. A plain text resume includes the same content as your formatted resume without all of the fancy fonts, bolding, underlining, bulleting, etc. This allows your resume to be read by all computers, easily submitted to applicant-tracking software and included in the body of an e-mail.
If you are creating a resume that will be posted on the Web, also make sure it is cyber safe to protect your privacy. Provide minimum contact information and never include personal information such as bank account, credit card, driver’s license or social security numbers; date of birth; or, your mother’s maiden name. Do not include your references’ contact information either, as it’s important to protect their identity as well. For more information on creating a Cyber Safe Resume, visit www.WorkforceCentralFlorida.com.
Sign Up for an E-mail Address
In today’s electronic age, it is imperative that you have an e-mail address for sending your resume to employers or posting your resume online. There are a number of free Web-based e-mail accounts such as www.hotmail.com or www.yahoo.com, that allow you to get mail from any computer.
For no cost computer access, visit any WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA office to utilize our Resource Room.
Utilize Online Sources for Career Research and Job Searches
Not only can you search for jobs online, with a number of sources such as the Employ Florida Marketplace (www.employflorida.com) you can also research specific occupations, analyze your skills to find an occupation that best suits you, find training or educational programs, obtain assistance in looking for a new job, learn how to develop resumes and cover letters, and access information on labor market trends and economic and demographic data.
Other sites that may help you in your career research and job searches include (but are not limited to): Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, Yahoo Hot Jobs and SnagAJob.com. Also check Web sites related to your industry and use search engines to target your search.
Research a Company Before Sending a Resume
With search engines such as Google and Yahoo, finding information about a company you may wish to work for is easy, so there is no excuse not to be familiar with a company before you submit your resume. Visit the company’s Web site by utilizing a search engine such as Google.com or Yahoo.com, or consider searching for the company on business sites such as the Better Business Bureau, Bloomberg.com, Superpages.com and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Network, Network, Network
Networking is crucial during a job search today, especially since the Internet has increased the number of resumes that employers receive. The connections you make or have in place can help you significantly in your job search by possibly introducing you to the hiring manager, providing job leads (including unadvertised openings), providing insight on career fields or reviewing your resume.
How do you grow your network? First, brainstorm a list of everyone you know, such as your friends, family, neighbors, past coworkers, past bosses, college alumni, etc. and begin networking with those you know.
Also, take advantage of job fairs. Although many employers at a job fair will require that you submit an electronic resume online or through their applicant-tracking software, use job fairs as an opportunity to build your network. Where else will you find multiple employers all in one place that are looking to speak to you? Even if the employer is not exactly your dream job, take the opportunity to meet the representatives and tell them what you’re looking for. They may have a friend who is looking to hire someone with your skills.
For additional networking tips, visit www.WorkforceCentralFlorida.com.
Utilize Social Networking Sites
Social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace and Twitter, can be valuable tools to finding employment. These sites provide an additional opportunity for networking with experienced workers in your field or with company representatives where you would like to work. In addition, some companies are using social networking sites to search for talent and to post job openings. By utilizing these sites, you can get a foot in the door before an interview and learn valuable personal information that may help you to connect with a future boss in an interview.
Of course, this same openness that allows you to connect with friends, family and colleagues can hinder your job search as well. For example, employers can now evaluate you before you even apply, just with a quick Google search. To learn how to avoid an embarrassing Internet career blunder, visit www.WorkforceCentralFlorida.com.
Follow Up With Employers
Although some job searching techniques have changed in the last decade, following-up with employers has remained. Enhance your chances of getting a job by following up with the employer via phone or e-mail after you’ve submitted your resume. By contacting the employer, you show initiative, persistence and professionalism, skills that many employers are seeking in a candidate.
After an interview, it is also important to write a thank-you note and send it via e-mail or mail. For tips on writing a thank you note, visit www.WorkforceCentralFlorida.com.
In the electronic age the Internet has become an important resource for job seekers, whether finding a job, researching statistics on a company or discovering what type of career to explore. Although the Internet is a good resource, it’s important to make this only a part of your job search strategy. For additional job search assistance or assistance with the Internet, visit any WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA office.
