Successfully Searching for a Job Online

As students look to their graduation day, they will also be looking for that job fits in with their career path. Others will be looking for a new job to move forward in their current careers or to start a new career journey. In all these cases, most jobs are listed online. The entire application process for most jobs is handled online including interviews. This is not only for jobs in large corporations. Companies of all sizes are using personnel recruiting sites such as Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Monster, LinkedIn, and others to find new employees. To help you navigate the online process, let’s discuss several steps in a successful in your job search.

Step 1: Self-Assessment

Before diving into the job search, take a moment to reflect on your career goals, skills, and preferences. Consider what types of roles you’re interested in, the industries that appeal to you, and your desired salary range. This self-assessment will serve as a foundation for your job search strategy. Your self-assessment will help you look for and apply for the jobs that fit your goals while avoiding jobs that may look great, but in the long run don’t meet your career goals.

Step 2: Research Potential Employers

With your self-assessment complete, identify companies you’re interested in working for and research their culture, values, and recent news. Understand their products/services and how you can contribute. This information will be essential in the next steps of your successful job search.

Step 3: Resume and Cover Letter

Update your resume to reflect your most current experiences and skills. Tailor it to highlight the qualifications most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Many companies are using Applicant Tracking Systems, and now AI, to search through resumes, and highlight candidates before people within the company evaluate the applications. Make sure your relevant educations, skills, and experiences are easily identified.

Similarly, craft personalized cover letters that convey your interest and fit for each position. Do not use a blanket cover letter and just change the names of recruiters or companies. Highlight how your skills, background, and goals fit specifically into the position listed and how your values align with that of the company. Keep the letter to one page.

Step 4: Your Online Presence

Ensure your online presence is professional and up to date. This includes your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or portfolio. Consider setting your online profiles to private or at least limit what is shown to the public. Your online profiles should align with your resume and highlight your professional brand. Make sure that your personal social media helps to highlight your values, hobbies, and any service work within your community. Just remember that what gets shared on the Internet stays on there forever, even if you delete it from your sites.

Step 5: Job Search Engines and Company Websites

Utilize job search engines to find open positions. Diversify your search by visiting company career pages, industry-specific job boards, and professional association websites. Bookmark these sites and set a schedule for regular check-ins. Where possible, configure alerts on job boards and company websites based on your work preferences and criteria. This ensures you’ll receive notifications for relevant openings.

Step 6: Networking

Leverage your professional network by reaching out to contacts who might provide insights or referrals. Attend virtual networking events and webinars to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings. Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field of interest. Engage in discussions, join groups, and follow influencers.

Step 7: Application Process

When applying for jobs online, follow the application instructions carefully. Use keywords from the job description in your resume and cover letter to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Keep track of your applications and follow up as appropriate.

Step 8: Interview Preparation

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and practicing your responses to common interview questions. Consider setting up mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your delivery and get feedback. Most of your interviews will be online and we will discuss how to prepare for those in our next blog posting.

Step 9: Stay Organized

Keep your job search organized by maintaining a spreadsheet or document where you track the positions you’ve applied for, the dates of application, and any follow-up actions. This will help you manage your applications and stay on top of opportunities. Make sure you follow up with potential employers as appropriate to indicate continued interest in the position and other potential opportunities with the company in the future.

Step 10: Continuous Learning

As you search for jobs, take the opportunity to enhance your skills through online courses, workshops, or certifications. This not only makes you a more attractive candidate but also keeps you engaged and motivated during your job search. Look to improve your digital skills as well as your skills in your chosen field. Improving your skills by learning new applications and improving your skills with application you are already familiar with can improve your application.

Finally, maintain a positive mindset throughout your job search. It can be a lengthy process, so resilience and persistence are key. Celebrate small victories and stay focused on your end goal. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the online job market and increase your chances of finding a job that aligns with your career aspirations and personal values. Remember, preparation and persistence are the keys to a successful job search. Good luck!

For more information:

11 Tips for an Effective Job Searching Process | Indeed.com  – https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-searching-process

10 Keys To A Successful Job Search (forbes.com)  – https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2021/07/25/10-keys-to-a-successful-job-search/

Your Step-By-Step Guide to the Job Search (aarp.org) – https://tinyurl.com/AARPJobSearchToolkit