Netting a Job on the Internet
By Lecia Parks Langston
Finding a job requires a multi-pronged attack. Just one of the
tools in your job-search arsenal is the internet. But, perhaps you’r
e not a web surfer and don’t know “ftp” from “html.”
Why even bother with the internet?
- It’s there 24/7. It’s available anytime:
weekends, holidays, the dead of night (when the kids are finally in
bed)—anytime.
- No Limits. You can search for jobs in your own
hometown or in Cameroon.
- Demonstrate Your Leading-Edge Skills. Finding
an opportunity on-line or researching on the internet before an interview
demonstrates you have some technical skills.
- Explore Alternatives You Haven’t Considered.
Not quite sure what you really want to be “when you grow up?” Self-assessment
tools, occupational exploration, training-program information are all
online.
- It’s Where the Jobs Are. Many companies
require electronic resumés and find applicants exclusively online.
CareerXRoad’s 2007 Annual Sources of Hire Survey reports that “It is
reasonable to imagine that every source of hire has an internet component. It
may have been part of the research done to find candidates or the source of
information candidates uncovered which caused them to apply. The internet is
also increasingly the major means to apply and communicate no matter what the
original source.”
Getting Started
The biggest problem with the internet is the vast quantity of
information. It may seem like too much information. Keep in mind
that the internet is a tool, and like all tools, it is only as good
as the skill of the user.
Learning to use the internet productively (like most things)
takes time and effort. Don’t be overwhelmed! Ask a friend or
librarian (or your kid) for help, if you need it. You can also
receive help from workers in the job search area at Workforce
Services.
Ask Questions
Before you start your internet job search, you might want to ask
yourself a few questions that will help you narrow your employment
search.
- What kind of work do you want to do? Come up
with general occupations that interest you—not specific job titles. Often
you will need to search for job duties rather than job titles—many
businesses use their own unique job titles.
- Who do you want to work for? Are you
interested only in certain industries? Do you want to work for a large
employer? Do you have a specific employer in mind?
- Where do you want to work? Will you move
anywhere for the right job or do you want to work in Enterprise,
Utah?
Finding the Right Sites
The right site for you will depend on how you answered the
questions listed above. For example, large international sites are
probably not your choice if you’re looking for a job in rural Utah.
Here are some other things to consider:
- Is it easy to use?
- Do they keep your identity confidential?
- Can you search with precision?
- Are the job listings dated so you know when they were added?
- How often is it updated?
- Who runs the service?
- Do you know someone who uses this service?
- If they charge a fee, is it worth it?
Internet job search resources can provide employment leads including:
- Job postings at major sites
- Job postings at local newspaper sites
- Job postings at individual companies
- Resume posting
- Job search assistance
- Information on employers, occupations, industries and employment
- Access to people important to your success
- Telephone and business directories
- Automation that notifies you when a job matches your interests
- Professional Associations
- Research Organizations
- Government Agencies
- Educational Institutions
- Community Organizations
Of course, we think the best place to start is the “no
charge” Utah Department of Workforce Services web site:
jobs.utah.gov
. Just
go to the web site and click on “Find a Job.” You can also use our
online directory of Utah businesses to find employers in an
industry/area that typically employs your particular occupation:
jobs.utah.gov/jsp/firmfind.
Here are just a few links to get you started on that internet job
search:
