The Online Job Hunt:Taking Your Job Search

to the Next Dimension

Why job hunt online?

Internet searches can provide you with opportunities you never before considered.

Almost all employers require applicants to apply for jobs online.

Stretches your job search across geographical area very quickly.

24/7 access.Demonstrates your technology skills.

Résumés

Have a resume prepared before you begin to search. This will help you come up with search terms.

Be prepared to edit your resume for every application. Stress experiences that are most relevant to the

position you want.Quantify experience.

◦Ex: Completed an average of 25 sales per week. Repeat defining words from the job description. Use bullets. Pay attention to white space. Read sample resumes online or in library books. Be sure your grammar and spelling are perfect. Save your resume in several different formats. http://susanireland.com/ and jobsearch.about.com

Online Applications

Avoid using the back button in your browser. Don’t let the computer sit for more than a few

minutes without activity or the website will “time out” and your application information will be lost.

Fill out all information even if your resume repeats what you’re putting on your application.

Allow yourself an hour per application and 2 hours for government positions. Expect job hunting to be a full-time job.

E-mailing and Job Hunting

Most online applications will require an e-mail address.

Make sure you have one in advance and that you know your login information.

Check your e-mail often. Employers may contact you through your e-mail address.

Employers expect applicants to know how to use e-mail and Internet even if it’s not required for the job.

Online Social Networking

Often cited as the best way to get a job.

LinkedInFacebookTwitter

Virginia Workforce Connection

Full range of features and services to assist job seekers.

Users must create a login to see job information.

Explore job market data. Search for jobs (must create login). Jobs are posted here by state and local

government as well as small and large businesses.

Created by the Virginia Employment Commission.

Virginia Employment Commission

From Virginia state government. Guides you through what to do when you

are unemployed. Not truly a job seeker website.File for unemployment.Going to job seeker services forwards you

to Virginia Workforce Connection.

Indeed.com

www.indeed.comSearch engine for job

postings (pulling from lots of sources).

Search by keyword and/or location.

Results are far-reaching.

Simplyhired.com serves the same function, but you don’t need to use both sites.

Craigslist.org

Local, free classifieds. A good place to look for postings created by

local small businesses with little money to spend on advertising.

Especially good way to find restaurant, domestic, and small business office jobs.

Also can search “gigs”—short-term, often labor-intensive jobs.

Copy reply e-mail addresses from Craigslist and paste into your e-mail “to” box. Do not click on e-mail addresses on Craigslist.

Capital Region WorkForce Centers

Use computers, phones, fax, and a resource library.

Get help with your resume and applications.

Receive job search training.

Workshops for job seekers.

Other Sites to Use

Websites for companies and organizations◦www.vcujobs.com ◦www.dom.com/careers ◦www.capitalone.com/careers◦http://richmond.bonsecours.com/careers

Local government:◦www.richmondgov.com◦www.chesterfield.gov◦www.henricojobs.com

Richmondjobnet.comCapital Region WorkForce Network Center

◦http://www.onestoprichmond.org/