Using the Internet in Your Job Search

If you search the Internet for "jobs", "careers", "job hunting", or the likes, you could quite easily pull back hundreds (if not thousands) of search results. The Internet is a wonderful storehouse of information. Unfortunately its so much information that you can often end up confused and overwhelmed.

The secret to using the Internet in you job hunt is this: remember the Internet is just a tool. Just because we are now moving at "eSpeed" does not negate traditional job hunting techniques. So continue to go through the Sunday paper, keep networking friends, and follow these tips for making the most of the Internet.

1. Salary Info. There are several websites where you can find salary information for your particular field and location. Knowing what the industry is paying gives you leveraging power during salary negotiations. Also, if you are really interested in pursuing a certain job it can make sure you put a realistic number in the "salary expectations" box.

2. Assessment Tests. If you one of the many people who haven't found a good answer to the question "what do you want to be when you grow up" the Internet can definitely help you. It is very easy to find assessment or personality tests on line. These test will ask you a series of questions then based on your response, identify what careers are best suited for your personality.

3. Researching Companies. The Internet is invaluable when it comes to researching companies. You can visit the company's web site to get information about its history and download an annual report. You can search the popular news site to see if your company has been featured in the media (good or bad). You can also check financial web sites to get historical information about the company. Thoroughly researching your company can give you an edge during the interview process. It sends out a message to the interviewer that you are really interested in the company.

4. Job hunting resources to sample. The Internet is a large warehouse of sample resumes, cover letters, and thank you letters available for you to emulate. Many sites also offer advice on how to create a resume or cover letter and answer some common dilemmas. It also is not unusual for a site to have a career coach on hand that you can send questions to directly.

About the author: Myrtis Smith is a personal coach. She works with people who are undergoing a career change. Sign up for her free newsletter Change Now! at www.premeditatedlife.com or send an email to changenow@premeditatedlife.com Premeditated Life .......because life doesn't just happen!