You’ve just been laid off, fired, downsized, outsourced, right-sized. Whatever the term, you’re out of a job and need another one fast. You would rather be back at work than wait for that first unemployment insurance payment.
You’re already quite skilled at surfing the Web, so why not get your next job that way? Where would you look first?
*Look close to home*
• *DenverPost.com/Jobs* – Start with the Web site of the newspaper you hold in your hands. DenverPost.com/Jobs, in cooperation with Yahoo! HotJobs, boasts one of the largest selections of jobs. The jobs are here, where you live.
Start on this user-friendly site by filling in keywords of the job you’d like to land, along with your target city, state or zip code (with an option to include surrounding cities). Next, select the job category from many types of work sectors listed.
The advanced search link filters the job listings even more, allowing you to plug in a minimum salary and show jobs at one particular company.
Once you’ve found your dream job, you likely will be directed to an outside Web site to complete your application. Some sites require that candidates attach their r’ ©sum’ ©, either as a Word document or a PDF. Others require applicants to copy and paste their r’ ©sum’ © text.
Registration is not required to use these tools. However, applicants are required to register if they want to post a r’ ©sum’ © for potential employers to see. But, the benefits also include the ability to create search agents.
The Career Tools category is a bookshelf of articles and interactive applications. Included are a series of screens that allow job-seekers to calculate average salaries for the jobs they seek, to learn how to improve their interview know-how, to improve a r’ ©sum’ © and to read useful networking tips.
*Apply at company Web site*
• *Go right to the employer* – If you are interested in a particular company, bring up its Web site, look for “Careers” or “Jobs” links and apply there. The jobs Web page at Denver Health, for example, advises applicants: “You will need your r’ ©sum’ ©, if you have one, a list of professional references and your work history. The best references come from former supervisors.
Follow all corporate Web site jobs directions exactly. Failure to do so can be a reason to reject the application.
• *Use other free resources* – The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has several Workforce Centers located statewide. Job-hunters don’t have to leave home to garner the benefits. Log in to COWorkforce.com, register and search for your next position. Other job-hunting Web sites that work in a similar fashion include Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com and Jobing.com.
• *Let technology do the work* – Here are some time-saving, tech-wise tactics from Bright Green Talent’s Carolyn Mansfield, writing on the GreenBiz blog, from The BNET Report:
Stay current on job postings by registering for a Google Reader account with rich site summary feeds from your favorite job boards. Install the Alexa ranking tool bar on your browser to see which job boards are getting the most visits. Use a job board aggregator. In your RSS feeds, set up a search within SimplyHired or Indeed with job keywords and locations. Then your targeted Internet-listed jobs will be snagged for you.
• *Be very careful* – Only job-search from a home or a public library computer, never at an employer or temp agency. Some businesses can track computer history and site visits.
Be careful of your random (and not-so-random) postings to social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook. Employers often check an applicant’s site for details that can benefit or eliminate the candidate.
• *Apply in person* – Get dressed for “work” and make cold calls on companies that interest you. Bring enthusiasm and, if possible, insight from a colleague or friend about the employer and its products. According to the U. S. Department of Labor, 48 percent of all job-hunters are hired through networking and referrals.
For good results, power your search online. It can help get your name and job-search goals out there by posting your name and skills/background information on social and business networking sites such as LinkedIn.com, Classmates.com, Yahoo! Groups and Facebook. But, get the job by meeting and greeting in person, too.
(Note: See page 2G for more online insight.)
_Tim Coy is a graphic designer/writer in the Denver Newspaper Agency’s Creative Services Department._