Job Websites
When you're looking for a job, time is money. Creating a job search site routine will save you both.
Every job seeker can expect to spend some time searching the Internet for job postings. To get the most out of your time online, you need to create a strategy to focus your efforts on sites where you are most likely to find real job opportunities.
There is no set amount of time you should devote to online job search, but limit how much time you do invest in it. Most counselors and advisors agree that about 80 percent of jobs are found through activities like networking.
Understanding the types of sites and the tools they offer can help you determine which strategy is right for you.
National, General Purpose Websites
General sites post jobs from all types of employers. CareerBuilder and Monster are the best known. These sites are expensive for employers to post on, so don't assume your target employer's jobs will be there. This is especially true in a competitive job market where there are many more job candidates than jobs.
If you are conducting a job search in another state, these sites will be your first window into the new job market.
IT-specific Websites
There are a few national websites that specialize in IT jobs. Dice.com is the best known and gets high marks from most Minnesota IT professionals. There are a number of large recruiting companies on Dice and sometimes you will find the same job posted multiple times by different recruiters.
The "Take control of your career" advice section has helpful articles for job seekers.
Aggregators
These sites pull together job postings from job boards all over the web. They are really handy, but the data is not always fresh. Indeed is the most popular and features some additional tools to help you analyze the job market. The salaries and trends tools can help you understand the job market and where you fit in.
Minnesota Websites
In Minnesota, we have Minnesotaworks.net. This site is free to Minnesota employers and job seekers. You will find postings from some of our state's best employers on this site.
Also check out the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) iSTEM Jobs site. This site lists Minnesota jobs and internships in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Company Websites
You should always monitor the websites of your target companies. Most companies have recruiting policies that require that they post jobs first internally to existing employees, then to their website, and finally to the public job boards.
While you are searching online, here are the basic activities to do on each site:
- Search
In addition to searching for job titles, use your specific technical skills in keyword searches. - Post a Resume or Create a Profile
There is some debate whether posting a resume on an Internet job site is a good idea for all job seekers. Define yourself too broadly and your profile will lack the focus and detail that gets you noticed. And if you define yourself too narrowly, you may eliminate yourself from some jobs you're qualified for.
If you do decide to post a resume, keep track of the number of views your profile has and compare that to the number of actual contacts from recruiters you get. If you have hundreds of views but no contacts, you are not reaching the right audience. Reconsider the keywords (words employers use to search for applicants) you are using. - Apply for Jobs
Many job websites allow you to apply for jobs from their site, but others will redirect you to the company's website. Having a profile saved online will save you work. Make sure your profile includes a complete work history as would be needed on a job application.
If you have an opportunity to attach a resume to the application, upload a resume customized for the particular job posting.
Some job websites charge you for upgrades to their standard service. The actual advantage these upgrades provide is questionable. Many job seekers find investing the same amount of money in training, gas to drive to a job club, or buying coffee for a networking contact can lead to better results.
