Accountant and Bookkeeper Articles

8 Tips in Using the Internet to Find Your Next Job

The Internet has made it extremely easy to look for a wide-range of positions in a variety of locations. Unfortunately, too many people don’t use this tool properly, and finding the right job ends up taking much longer than they had hoped. To make your electronic job hunt more effective we’ve designed this two-part series sharing 8 tips that will help you use the Internet to find the right job for you. Last week we discussed the following 4 tips:

1. Don’t put all your eggs in one Internet.
2. Look at specialty sites to find jobs specific to your industry.
3. Protect your privacy.
4. Customize your resume and cover letters.

This week we’ll examine 4 more:

5. Avoid applying for jobs if you don’t have the minimum qualifications.
It can be tempting to apply for jobs you’re not really qualified for. The pay may be better, the job description more tantalizing, the work environment more ideal. And you may convince yourself there’s a chance the employer would decide you’re the perfect person for the job. But the truth is, when you don’t have the minimum requirements for a position, you’re wasting your time and the employer’s time. This is bad networking karma. You never know when you’ll be suitable for a position with that employer and your attempt to market yourself for the wrong position could work against you in the end.

6. Provide more than one means of contact.
Nothing is more frustrating than being unable to reach someone through the one means of contact he/she has provided. We would suggest giving potential employers an email address and a phone number when possible. If you’re concerned about protecting your privacy, both could be connected with untraceable accounts that do not display your full name. But if you choose to go this route, check those accounts daily. Protecting your privacy is one thing; avoiding potential employment is another.

7. Ensure that any website you reference is professional.
Many individuals have a personal website they reference in their resume. If you do this you must ensure everything on that website is professional and tasteful. Potential employers do not want to read your family blog or look at pictures from your last vacation. Your website can contain links to other organizations you have worked for, electronics copies of your resume, and examples of your work.

8. Remember, the Internet is not magic.
Some mistakenly believe that because they can access countless opportunities over the Internet they will magically get the job of their dreams and in no time at all. While it can be more convenient to search for openings online, just like any job search it requires a significant amount of time and energy. You must research organizations, tailor your resume and cover letters, and all else possible to share your enthusiasm for those positions that peak your interest.

The Internet is definitely an amazing tool to use in your job search. However, you must use it wisely. Otherwise you will spend valuable time on efforts that will get you nowhere. When you use this 8 tips you’ll not only work hard but smart in your job search and ultimately you will find a job that’s a good match for your expertise and skills.