Effective Ways to Use Online Job Search Tools

A positive attitude goes a long way in getting hired

DEAR JOYCE:

I am really confused about all the new online job search tools. How can they help me, and what's the best way to use them? -- M.S.H.

There are many new tools that can help, and some that can hinder, your job search.

The trick is balance -- using the right sites to enhance your job search without spending too much time and getting bogged down. You don't have to use everything that's available. It's more important to pick and choose the resources that are right for you, rather than attempting to use every tool under the sun.

Here are 10 tips on effectively using job search tools, provided by About.com's guide to job searching, Alison Doyle:

BE SELECTIVE

There are more job sites than anyone can use productively.

Be selective and use niche job boards that focus on your interests and geographic location. You'll be focusing your job search on jobs that are a good fit, rather than having to weed through job listings that aren't a good match.

SPEED UP YOUR JOB SEARCH

Job search engines are on the list of tools everyone should use to expedite their job search. Indeed.com search across the Internet for jobs, while LinkUp.com searches directly for jobs on company Web sites.

MANAGE YOUR JOB SEARCH

JibberJobber.com is a terrific (and free) tool for managing your job search. Users can track where they have sent resumes and the jobs they have applied for, as well as note the status of each job as they proceed through the hiring process. In addition, you can track your networking contacts and keep a log of how they have provided assistance.

START WITH LINKEDIN

If you haven't done much online networking, start with LinkedIn, which is the most important site for professional networking.

Create a profile, then start connecting with people you know. You'll be able to search for jobs directly on LinkedIn, see who you know at the company, and use your connections to help get a foot in the door.

GO VISUAL

A VisualCV is a terrific way to showcase your expertise and skills and enhance your traditional resume.

It's simple and easy to create a VisualCV with just a few clicks of your mouse.

PROMOTE YOUR PROFILES

Once you've set up profiles on networking sites, cross-reference them, because you don't know who is going to find you on which site.

If you're using Facebook for professional networking, link to your Facebook page from your LinkedIn profile and vice versa. Link to your VisualCV from your LinkedIn Profile, and so on.

The more you cross-link, the more opportunities you have to promote your candidacy for employment.

USE WIDGETS

You can quickly and easily download applications that will bring job listings directly to you and that help you communicate

faster with your contacts and prospective employers. Indeed.com has job search plug-ins for Firefox and for your Google Desktop, an application for Facebook, a button for your Google Toolbar, and other tools to expedite your job search. With SimplyHired's tools you can add job alerts to Facebook, and add a job search widget to your iGoogle homepage, your blog or your desktop.

STORE YOUR RESUME ONLINE

It's important to be able to access your resume from the Internet.

You will be able to apply for jobs on short notice if you're traveling, for example, rather than having to wait until you get back to your desktop computer. You can use Google Docs to store your resume, or utilize ResumeBucket.com to upload or create a resume from scratch.

You'll get a unique URL just for your resume, which you can update at any time directly from the Web.

GO MOBILE

Your cell phone is another useful tool for job searching.

For example, Mashable.com lists 10 iPhone apps you can use to manage your job search on the go (http://mashable.com/2009/03/26/iphone-job-search-apps/), including CareerBuilder, LinkedIn, Craigster, JobFinder and iJobs.

DON'T COUNT ON IT

Even though the buzz is all about social media and new tools and techniques, don't rely on them to get you a job.

Sites such as Twitter and Facebook can definitely enhance your job search, but don't count on online networking to get you a job.

Continue to apply for jobs with a resume and customized cover letter, just as you have in the past. Traditional job searching and networking is still an effective way to get a job.

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