Dr. S.S. Verma
The job hunt is still basically done in the same way as it was done years ago, despite all the technological changes. The Internet is the world's most powerful information and marketing vehicle and can play a great role along with newspapers and official gadgets in finding a job. However, by using the Internet, you can get the most from your job search and expand your reach and prospects but you need to follow some basics of internet job hunting.
The Internet has transformed the hidden job market. The invisible job market exists because the Internet makes it easy for the employer to place a job ad on the company Web site or post a position on an industry or profession-specific site.
More opportunities for employment usually mean a greater chance of getting hired at a salary level you desire. You have to dig a little harder to "mine" the job market and score. You will have to be more creative.
Following are some tips to keep in mind while doing job hunting on the internet: ¬
i) Need great search skills to navigate internet for sites.
ii) Start working on your direction, possibilities, and focus while still in the final phase of training/education.
iii) Think about your career, your goals, your skills, and your interests while you're relatively comfortable with your life situation.
iv) First, focus on a job title, industry, and location. It's wise to start your search by visiting large job sites because of the number of listings offered.
v) Search statement should be quite narrow.
vi) Keep a career journal and jot down job titles, settings, and direction that excite you.
vii) The research variant job titles and learns more about specific sub-industries to find out what's realistic.
viii) As you map out your job target, stop at each step to locate appropriate national and local associations.
ix) Assemble a prospect list of potential local employers and research each in depth.
x) With this information you need to contact the employer and market your relevant skills and experience.
xi) Don't forget to locate and subscribe to relevant mailing lists for your job target and setting.
xii) Form an informal job search club: ask colleagues with slightly different job targets or locations to share relevant postings with the other members.
xiii) Spend some time searching the Web for information and connections to people already working in that area. Participating in chat rooms and discussion forums, such as those hosted by professional associations in your field or industry, also is an excellent way to find about open positions.
xiv) Do not limit the search to positions posted in the last few days. A position posted one month ago might still be open, especially if it requires hard-to-find skills. Plus, with most job seekers focusing on recent postings, you may be competing with fewer candidates.
xv) In addition to browsing the large boards, visit the Web sites of recruiting firms that specialize in your field, which maintain their own job postings. Some even offer detailed career information and job search advice. The advantage of these sites is that job seekers can conduct highly targeted searches and also connect with a recruiter who can work on their behalf. Job sites offer more than just listings. They also can serve as a launching pad for other opportunities.
xvi) Most job sites enable users to apply for a position with the simple click of the mouse. But don't blindly blast your resume to every company you come across. Hiring managers seek tailored resumes that directly tie a job seeker's unique skills and abilities to the requirements of the position. Take the extra time and effort to customize your application materials to each specific opportunity.
xvii) Completing employment applications online is convenient but potentially costly if you're not careful. Be mindful of your spelling and grammar when typing information directly onto online forms.
xviii) There's a time and a place for everything so be careful of when and where you do your online job hunting.
xix) When job hunting online, it's critical that you follow up with prospective employers after applying for a position. If you've submitted your application and haven't heard back from the company, make a call or send an e-mail to verify that the resume was received and to reassert your interest in the position.
While the Internet has revolutionized the way job seekers connect with prospective employers, an online job hunt shouldn't be the only strategy to find a new position. The best searches combine a variety of approaches.
(The author is from the Department of Physics, SLIET, Longowal, Distt. Sangrur, Punjab).
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