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Utilizing Technology in Your Job Search

Job hunting requires hard work and a smart strategy, internet or no internet.  However, we all know (perhaps no one better than our blog readers) that technology can enhance your job search process.  Here are four quick reminders about how to optimize your cyber hunt for the best job or position: 
 
1.  Put first things first.  As with traditional job hunting, update and polish your resume. Revise your resume weekly so that it appears higher in an employer's search results.  You can create "confidential" resumes, which allow employers to see your experience but not your name.  Label your resume appropriately - how you name your resume can impact how often it is viewed.  An employer is much more likely to click on a resume title "Senior Financial Consultant" than on one titled "Sam's Resume." Most resume postings must be made in ASCII (plain text). Online sites can help with this.

2.  Use proper ‘netiquette.'  Think before you send a message, and realize the impression you are making.  Electronic correspondence requires the same level of professionalism as traditional methods.  Avoid being too casual when online.  Keep the length of your message reasonable, and use correct grammar and spelling.  The way you communicate using email is just as important as the way you communicate face-to-face. You must have an acceptable email address (i.e. your name/initials@xxxx.com). Do not use email addresses that are unprofessional, too casual or just have no relevance (like BigMomma@yahoo.com).

3.   Mega sites.  Start browsing mega career sites that offer multiple resources and services for free.  Network through bulletin boards ,  newsgroups  and user groups . Set up job search agents on all the sites you visit to receive the latest openings as soon as they are listed. Job search engines alow you  to search many of the major job databases at once. Though helpful, don't limit yourself to posting your resume or applying only to jobs you find on these major job sites. 

4.   Niche sites.  Search the niche job sites in your respective profession. Search local job sites and Chamber of Commerce sites.  Check the newspaper Help Wanted ads, both online and off.  Some employers still only use the classifieds offline to advertise job openings so be sure to use every available resource.  
 
Using technology when job hunting helps, but is should be used as a set of tools. The most effective strategy is to use a variety of job seeking methods.  Make finding you as easy as possible for the employer whether that is through technology based or traditional methods.