Using the Internet in Your Job Search

If you search the Internet for "jobs", "careers", "job
hunting", or the likes, you could quite easily pull back
hundreds (if not thousands) of search results. The
Internet is a wonderful storehouse of information.
Unfortunately its so much information that you can often
end up confused and overwhelmed.

The secret to using the Internet in you job hunt is this:
remember the Internet is just a tool. Just because we are
now moving at "eSpeed" does not negate traditional job
hunting techniques. So continue to go through the Sunday
paper, keep networking friends, and follow these tips for
making the most of the Internet.

1. Salary Info. There are several websites where you can
find salary information for your particular field and
location. Knowing what the industry is paying gives you
leveraging power during salary negotiations. Also, if you
are really interested in pursuing a certain job it can make
sure you put a realistic number in the "salary expectations"
box.

2. Assessment Tests. If you one of the many people who
haven't found a good answer to the question "what do you
want to be when you grow up" the Internet can definitely
help you. It is very easy to find assessment or personality
tests on line. These test will ask you a series of
questions then based on your response, identify what
careers are best suited for your personality.

3. Researching Companies. The Internet is invaluable when
it comes to researching companies. You can visit the
company's web site to get information about its history
and download an annual report. You can search the popular
news site to see if your company has been featured in the
media (good or bad). You can also check financial web
sites to get historical information about the company.
Thoroughly researching your company can give you an edge
during the interview process. It sends out a message to
the interviewer that you are really interested in the
company.

4. Job hunting resources to sample. The Internet is a large
warehouse of sample resumes, cover letters, and thank you
letters available for you to emulate. Many sites also offer
advice on how to create a resume or cover letter and answer
some common dilemmas. It also is not unusual for a site to
have a career coach on hand that you can send questions to
directly.