Internet Job Search Strategies - Creative Job Search Article
The Internet is a global electronic community-- a network of networks. Nearly everything found in a real community can be found in cyberspace. There are businesses, social organizations, government agencies, educational institutions and individual residences. Every idea, ideology and interest is represented. For every major job search strategy there is a cyberspace counterpart. The Internet is a virtual gold mine of employment resources that will only get better in the future.
The Internet is a tool, and like all tools is only as good as the skill of the user. Learning to use the Internet productively takes time and effort. Many new users become overwhelmed. One frustration is that the Internet is huge and there is no single manual or help desk. Another is that it is constantly changing. What’s there today may be gone, moved or changed tomorrow.
It is said that patience is a virtue-- on the Internet it's a necessity! A dedication to continuous learning is a must. For those who master this tool, the rewards are great. The Internet will open up a whole new world of opportunities.
Electronic Resumes
Once you've mastered the paper resume, you can add plain text and hypertext resumes to your resources. There are numerous opportunities to present your resume to potential employers. You can post your resume on news groups or in resume databases. You can send your resume direct through email. You can even set up a professional website using your resume information.
- Plain Text Resumes - Email, news groups and most resume databases require your resume to be in a basic text format. Plain text resumes have the advantage of being read by most computer programs. The major disadvantage is the loss of fancy formatting. The content of the resume should follow the same standards as a paper resume. Many plain text resumes will be managed in a database, so give special attention to keywords.
- Hypertext Resumes - Hypertext resumes take advantage of the features of the Internet. They may include graphics, video, sound, hypertext links, and direct email. Some sites that post resumes require them to be formatted in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). Many progressive job seekers are creating professional websites which include their resume information. A good professional website should follow the publishing standards of the Internet and most of the standards of good resume writing. However, a website should be more than just an online resume. There are numerous resources on the Internet, in bookstores and in libraries to help in this effort.
Advertised Jobs
There are too many advertised jobs on the Internet to even begin to count. More and more employers are listing job openings on their web pages, in newsgroups and with Internet employment service providers.
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.
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.
Labor Market Research
You'll want to examine labor market conditions in making employment and career decisions. Minnesota's Labor Market Information collection includes estimates of hiring demand, the future employment outlook for specific occupations, wage range estimates, and career profiles describing work expectations, working conditions, and preparation requirements.
Business Research
If an industry of interest can be identified-- or better yet, specific businesses-- news coverage, industry reports, or even a business's own website may provide insight into key issues, products or services, industry work culture, and workforce needs.
Employment Services
There are hundreds of businesses specializing in providing employment services. Some are merely advertisements, but many provide services directly online. These services include career counseling, resume writing, placement assistance and job matching. Some sites match job seekers with employers directly online.
MinnesotaWorks-- www.minnesotaworks.net
You can register to look for work by setting up an Internet account on MinnesotaWorks. Establishing an account and logging onto MinnesotaWorks gives you access to job openings, resume posting, career information, training opportunities, and information on Minnesota WorkForce Center services.
Employers and private employment agencies will have access to your resume. They can view your qualifications in relationship to their job openings. Interested employers will directly contact you.
There are step-by-step instructions for easy use of the system. You have the personal control of updating or removing your resume. Your resume will be done in an attractive and standardized format. There are links to job-related websites with career and job search information, and other local services and information. There is no charge for this service. Hundreds of new jobs are posted every day, so be sure to check back often.
If you don't have Internet access, visit your local public library, school, university, Minnesota WorkForce Center or local state employment service.
CAREERONESTOP-- www.careeronestop.org
CareerOneStop is a national website that helps job seekers, employers, students and workforce professional find employment, career and business resources.
America’s Career InfoNet
Find national and local career and business information and labor market data using unique career tools, career and occupation-based reports, a resource library and much more. Visit this site to identify careers, education and job options before making important career decisions. Research the job market in any state to learn about employment trends and training requirements for jobs that interest you.
America’s Service Locator
Find local employment, training and other employment-related resources for employers, job seekers, students and workforce professionals.
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 Creative Job Search is
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