4 Online Job Hunting Tips to Launch Your Career

4 Online Job Hunting Tips to Launch Your Career

By Mark McCurdy

1. Focus your applications to a few positions and to just one or two sectors. Do not spend your time with a “shot gun” or “spot light” approach to your job search, throwing your resume out to every open position you see. Make your job search like a focused laser beam. With a focused job search, your key words and examples can be more effective. For example, instead of searching for any Account Manager/Sales position in any organization, focus your search specific to Health Care or Education sectors if those are the sectors that most interest you. Additionally, ann application that includes a resume and cover letter tailored to the job description will always be more effective than a generic application and resume. Read the posting carefully to make sure that your skills are well suited to meet the employer’s expected needs and make sure you can add value to the organization.

2. Do your research before you connect with an employer. Google the company or look at their LinkedIn company page. See if you can spot a potential major challenge the company may be facing and think of how you can propose to help them with it. You always want to have “selling points” ready that are specific to the company before you have a phone or in-person interview.

3. Dig deep into your personal network and see if you can network your way into the company. Start with LinkedIn to see if any of your contacts work at the company or if someone in your network can make an introduction for you. Not on LinkedIn yet? Take the time to register here. Remember whenever possible to offer value or help before you ask for something in return, like an informational interview. For example, ask if you can help introduce them to someone in your network or if they need help researching a topic for their next presentation.

4. Build your network online and in person. Join groups online at LinkedIn or Meetup.com to start. Attend networking events, alumni groups and community or religious events. Stay focused on your networking. For example, if you are searching for a job in health care, I would not necessarily recommend going to just any nonprofit networking event. Go to a health care focused conference or networking event instead. Remember that with every new strategic connection you make, your network gets bigger and more effective.

Don’t forget that career coaches are a great resource as you are preparing and searching for new meaningful work. Stay connected with me on Twitter or Facebook.