The Internet is changing the way we communicate and receive information. Not since the telephone (and possibly the printing press) has technology created such a widespread impact on civilization. Many experts believe that the Internet will become as widely used and accepted as the telephone or the television. It may become so necessary to business and society that people will be helpless without it.

The Internet combines people and computers to form a global network of information, communication and community. The Internet is an electronic community with its own culture and subculture. It has its own rules of behavior and etiquette (netiquette). Nearly everything found in a physical community (businesses, social organizations, government agencies, educational institutions and individuals) can also be found in cyberspace. Every idea, ideology and interest is represented. Exploring the Internet is much like maneuvering through life. The challenge is to master the technologies and the culture.

This chapter isn't intended to teach you all there is to know about the Internet. It assumes you have a basic knowledge of computers and the means to access the Internet. This entails a computer (at least the use of one), a software program called the "browser" and an Internet provider (to get you access to the Internet). Just about any computer you can purchase today will have a browser pre-loaded on it. Contacting a service provider is the next logical step. Minnesota WorkForce Centers have computers you can use at no charge for much of what will be discussed in this chapter. You may also find computers at libraries, schools and retail establishments that may or may not charge you a fee for their use.

A successful job search requires a variety of skills, tools and strategies. There is no one factor that brings success. It's the combination of many individual efforts. The Internet is a gold mine of employment resources. For every major job search strategy there's an Internet counterpart. If you're serious about your job search, it's worth your time to explore these resources.

The Internet is quickly becoming a basic part of how we receive information, communicate and conduct business. It's also becoming an important tool in an effective job search campaign. People who learn to use the Internet will have a significant advantage over those who don't. It's worth taking the time to learn the Internet and use it as part of your job search.

Search Engines

The fundamental tool for finding information on the Internet is the search engine. Search engines use keywords to locate web pages, listings in electronic directories or messages in newsgroups. Some engines search the Internet in general while others search a specific site. Mastering these tools is critical to effectively and efficiently locating information on the Internet.

There are many search sites on the Internet. Each one is a little different in its focus and use. To learn how to use a specific search engine, look for the "help" feature. Most search tools provide instruction on their use.

You can use the Internet to distribute your resume, make direct contact with potential employers and follow-up on job leads.

Tips for Learning the Internet

Spend time on the Internet-- The only way to master the Internet is by using it. Plan to invest time and energy into learning the Internet. The Internet is constantly changing. To stay current, you need to learn and relearn the Internet.

Manage your Internet time-- Avoid marathons. Regular short periods of time are more effective than infrequent long periods. When you go on the Internet, decide in advance what you want to accomplish.

Read magazines, books and web pages-- Everything you need to know about the Internet can be found on the Internet. Excellent information about the Internet can also be found in books, magazines and periodicals.

Attend classes or seminars-- Seminars are useful for learning about the Internet. Hands-on classes are an excellent way to master Internet skills. Use the newly learned skills immediately and repeatedly.

Network-- Talk about the Internet with associates, friends and family. Participate in Internet newsgroups, chat rooms and message boards. How much you learn by asking questions, listening and sharing your knowledge with others may surprise you.

Look for opportunities to use the Internet-- When you need information, see if you can find it on the Internet. Search for a phone number, address, map or an item for sale in the newspaper. Research a hobby, a dream vacation, business or professional topic. Explore different search strategies and search engines.

Challenge yourself-- Look for new opportunities to use the Internet. Study a new website or learn another Internet resource.

Make the Internet a priority-- Incorporate the Internet into your professional, social and personal life.

Employment Research

Information is a critical part of a successful job search and is obtained through research. You'll want to learn as much as possible about potential employers, your occupation and your industry. There is no such thing as having too much information in a job search. Information is power. Information gives you control and confidence.

Internet job search resources include--

• Job postings
• Resume posting
• Job search assistance
• Information on employers, occupations, industries and employment
• Access to people important to your success
• Telephone and business directories
• Customized maps that help with your travel
• Automation that notifies you when a job matches your interests

Electronic Directories

Printed directories like the Yellow Pages phone book are common sources of information, and the Internet is an excellent way to access these types of directories. All phone books that are published in the United States are available on the Internet. These and other Internet directories-- which often have more information than the printed versions-- are useful in conducting a job search. Not only can you find the address of a potential employer, but you may be able to click on a map that gives directions to that exact location. The electronic directory listing also may have a link to the organization's website where you will find much more information.

There are directories designed specifically for the Internet such as the popular site Yahoo. Its address on the Internet is www.yahoo.com. There are directories that specialize in a specific subject or geographic region. The "links" pages found on most websites are also a type of directory. These can be very useful because they have been reviewed and recommended by someone else interested in the subject.

Prior to the Internet, employment research meant spending a lot of time at the library gathering and studying books, periodicals, articles and business literature. It also meant attending professional meetings, networking and going to informational interviews. While the Internet has not eliminated any of these activities, it has made many of them easier.

Benefits of Research

• Increases control and confidence
• Focuses your efforts
• Improves time management and decision making
• Minimizes wasted efforts
• Improves effectiveness of resumes and cover letters
• Prepares you for a strong interview performance
• Strengthens your ability to negotiate the best job offer
• Increases potential for successful job search, job satisfaction and economic security
• Sets you apart from other job seekers
• Improves potential for success once you start a new job

You'll want to learn as much as possible about
potential employers, your occupation and your industry.

Online Magazines and Newspapers

You can access a lot of published information on the Internet such as magazines and newspapers. You have access to thousands of free local and worldwide publications. If you're looking to relocate, you can find publications from distant communities.

The search capabilities of the Internet make finding information fast and efficient. How long would it take you to go through one magazine or an average-size newspaper and find every occurrence of the word "healthcare?" Not just in the titles of articles, but anywhere in the publication? How long would it take to search a stack of publications or a whole room full of publications? While the search capabilities of each website will vary, many sites give you the power to search an archive of issues in a matter of seconds. Most sites provide the ability to search at least their current publication.

Lang is an electronic technician with the US Army stationed in Japan. He will be released from military service soon and plans to return to his home in Minnesota. Lang has been researching the local job market through newspapers published on the Internet. He uses the search features of these publications to find articles of specific interest. From his research, Lang learned about the local economy and identified several potential employers. He has further researched employers by browsing their websites and made initial contact by email. When Lang returns to Minnesota, he will be well on his way to landing an excellent civilian job.

Chuck is a welder with limited work experience. He recently applied for an entry-level job with a local manufacturing company. The company telephoned Chuck and scheduled an interview. At a Creative Job Search seminar, Chuck learned that he should research an employer when preparing for an interview. Chuck went to his local Minnesota WorkForce Center where he found public access to the Internet. Within a few minutes, Chuck had located the company's website. There he learned more than he expected. The next day at the interview the first question was, "What do you know about what we do?" The interviewer was visibly impressed with Chuck's knowledge and obvious preparation. Chuck got the job. He was also given a higher starting wage than was originally stated.

Websites

Many organizations and businesses publish a website that provides information for promotion or other purposes. New sites are being created every day. In fact, having a website for a business is becoming as common as having a phone number. The quality and amount of information that's provided varies among sites. But even the most basic employer websites usually have the location of the business and brief descriptions of products or services it provides. You may often find vision and mission statements, a history of the organization, names of key employees and supervisors, business plans, job postings with detailed descriptions of duties and much more.

In addition to employer websites, there are many other sites that provide useful information.

Employment Research Sites

• Professional Associations
• Research Organizations
• Government Agencies
• Educational Institutions
• Community Organizations
• Libraries

The best tools for locating websites are search engines and directories. Search on the name of the site or use topical and geographic keywords. There are many directories you can use to find sites.

When viewing websites, consider the source and relevance of the information. If the research will have a significant impact on an important decision, look for ways to verify the information. Consider who authored the information and its timeliness. Look for other sources that agree with the information.

Electronic Networking

Would you like to network with professionals in your industry, from all over the world without traveling great distances to attend expensive conferences? Looking for another way to make direct contact with potential employers? In cyberspace you can! The Internet is a networker's paradise.

The Internet provides access to people from all over the world. The challenge is to find the person with the information you're seeking. Electronic networking uses three basic Internet tools-- newsgroups, email and live chat. To master these tools requires specialized communication skills. To be successful in this media requires preparation and practice. Many of the standards that apply to good telephone communication apply to the Internet.

Websites, Internet publications and directories are excellent sources of information. However, frequently the information you need isn't published. Some of the best insight comes from the personal experience and knowledge of individuals. A great deal of insight can be gained by reading published information about an employer or occupation. But a very different kind of insight is gained by talking to someone who works for that employer or in that occupation.

Effectively communicating electronically is both a science and a culture. It involves technology and society. The Internet community has its own culture and etiquette (netiquette). Mastering these communications is a rewarding challenge. It will open up a new world of opportunity. To learn about electronic communication, go to www.learnthenet.com.

Carlos is considering changing careers. He has identified the paralegal occupation as one in which he has an interest. He has read a lot of published information on the paralegal occupation. Carlos researched the National Paralegal Association website on the Internet, but it was not enough. He wanted to talk directly with people who were currently working as paralegals to hear their personal perspective and experience. Carlos did not know anyone in the local chapter of the Paralegal Association. With the help of the website Google Groups (www.google.com/googlegroups/tour), Carlos was able to locate Internet newsgroups where there were discussions relating to paralegals. Carlos subscribed to a couple of groups and began reading the posts and listening to the discussions (also known as "lurking"). He eventually posted a message introducing himself and describing his interests. In a short time, Carlos learned more than he expected. He was provided advice on training programs, employment trends and how to succeed in the paralegal profession.

Nancy received a voice message from an employer who found her resume on MinnesotaWorks (www.minnesotaworks.net). The only information the employer left was his name, the name of the company and a phone number. Typically, Nancy would have called the employer without having any background information. She would have learned what she needed to know during the phone call. Instead, Nancy spent 15 minutes on the Internet researching the employer. She found the employer's website that outlined its business, mission, vision and history. She also found an article about the employer. When Nancy returned the telephone call, she had valuable information that helped her to effectively communicate her qualifications and evaluate the employment opportunity.

Tips for Internet Research

Be Focused-- Using the Internet for research isn't the same as surfing the Internet. It can be compared to taking a Sunday drive versus purchasing tires for your car. On a Sunday drive you can wander wherever the road leads. In fact, the less planned, the greater the adventure. On the other hand, you wouldn't just wander around until you found a tire store. Stay focused on your research goal. If you find something interesting en route to your goal, bookmark the site and come back to it. It'd be like finding a candy store on your way to get tires. Before you know it, you've lost track of what you wanted to accomplish.

Develop a Research Strategy-- Develop a plan before you begin looking for information. Decide in advance how much time you're willing to invest. Your topic will influence where you look. The Internet, newsgroups and email all require a different search strategy. Knowing roughly where your information might be found will help in developing your plan. Remember, "Plan your work, then work your plan."

Keep Records-- Whether it's websites, computer files or paper files, it's important to keep a record of your research. As you explore potential employers, industries and communities, you will collect a lot of information. Discard that which has little or no immediate value, then file and maintain information that you want to keep. Almost every Internet newbie has given in to the temptation to bookmark sites without discretion. The result is almost always an unmanageable tangle of Internet bookmarks.

Set Goals-- Goals will help keep you on track and should be stated in specific terms. "I'm going to spend the next hour researching two potential employers who might need someone with marketing skills," is far better stated than, "I'm going to look for jobs on the Internet."

Creative Job Search is a service of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

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