Conducting an Online Job Search

The Internet has simplified finding a new job by bringing job openings right to your computer screen – from around the globe, and around the corner.

Finding the right job to fit your skills and needs is easier if you present yourself well online. You still need a quality, accurate résumé, a well-written cover letter and copies of licenses and certifications to actually land the job that suits you, but finding those job openings is simpler than in the past.

Mega job sites, like Monster.com^®, list jobs in a variety of categories. You can search job openings using a variety of search preferences, such as job location, job requirements, specific industry, and other search parameters that describe your employment needs.

You can also go pro-active. Post your résumé and other information about the professional “you” on these mega job sites so employers can find you based on their search criteria.

Social media sites, like Twitter^® and YouTube^®, can provide valuable job search options. Small and large companies routinely post job openings on these social sites. Use the search box on social media sites to locate job openings based on the most popular search terms.

Many states, including Nevada, maintain employment sites that offer tips, and deliver job openings directly to your email inbox based on the keywords you use to define the job you’re looking for. Nevada’s job site, located at nvjobs.nv.gov, lists state government job openings, jobs available in the private sector, career enhancement opportunities, and other ways to find work with the help of Nevada’s state services.  Create an account on Nevada’s employment website and have relevant job listings delivered to your inbox each day.

Industry-specific organizations maintain websites listing jobs within a narrow employment range. Are you a computer programmer? Have you worked a help desk at an IT services provider? Check out the job listings on ComputerWorld.com^®.  There are websites that focus on jobs for architects, engineers, chemists and researchers, teachers and even home builders.

Individual companies now use their websites to post job openings. Conduct a Google search for companies within your work-life sphere. You may discover dozens of companies listing employment opportunities on their websites. Just register and post your professional employment package.  Some companies will accept your professional information and keep it on file. When a job opening is created that fits your skill set, you’ll receive a notification from the company.

Looking Your Best Online

Perception is everything on the Internet. You are what Internet users believe you are.

If you have work experience, chances are you have an account on a professional connection site like LinkedIn^®. You may also have a Facebook^® account and accounts on other social media sites. Punch up, and update, your LinkedIn profile, and make sure to provide your most current contact information. Many companies looking for new hires use LinkedIn to find likely prospects. LinkedIn also lists job openings that might be appropriate for you.

You want to look your best online when undertaking a job search. Go through your social media posts and remove anything that doesn’t make you look professional. Remove political opinions, controversial information and goofy pictures of your last frat party.

Many companies request credit histories of potential employees to see if they’re fiscally responsible.  According to a survey released by CareerBuilder in 2016, 76% of employers conduct background checks on new employees and look at credit reports 29% of the time.¹

Obtain a credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. This site allows consumers to request a free credit report once per year from the three major credit reporting agencies: TransUnion^®, Equifax^® and Experian^®. Review the report carefully and notify the reporting agency of any errors in your credit history. By law, errors in credit reports must be investigated and fixed when they are found to misrepresent the owner of that credit history.

Also, conduct a search of your own name to determine if there’s negative information posted about you on industry blogs, school blogs, background search websites and other places where your name and employment history might appear.

Finally, check your job search sites, and your email inbox, daily. Refine your employment profile so it highlights your professional strengths and makes you more interesting to a potential employer.

Use the Internet to find a job by taking a more pro-active approach to your job search. Reach out to prospective companies. You never know when your next job will show up in your email inbox.

Good luck. There’s employment out there, and the Internet is the best way to find it.

1.https://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx

The information provided is presented for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal or business advice. Any views expressed in this article may not necessarily be those of Nevada State Bank, a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Member FDIC