Internet Jobs! Get A Job Through An Internet Job Site

How To Get A Job Through An Internet Job Site

Internet job sites are a favoured option for many job hunters but especially those who are keen to maintain personal control of their job search, which using an employment agency is unlikely to guarantee.

Whilst there are subtle variations between the functionality of internet job sites, most operate on a similar premise. Job hunters can create their own online profile which will become their individual brand on the job site and which potential employers will be able browse. Within this profile will be personal details and the option to upload a current curriculum vitae or resume containing essential information such as work experience, employment history, education and qualifications and specific project experience.

The unique feature of an internet job site is that rather than job hunters simply applying for vacancies advertised by employers, employers can actively browse through the profiles and curriculum vitae or resumes of candidates looking for individuals with particular experience or a specific set of skills. Most organisations will have defined certain skill sets or search criteria so that any new candidate profiles matching these will automatically be bought to their attention. In theory this has the potential to allow candidates to be offered interviews before they even start viewing and applying for suitable job vacancies via the site, enabling a much more dynamic and interactive process and reducing the recruitment timescale, meaning that job hunters can find gain suitable employment more quickly.

Creating Your Online Profile

Unlike your curriculum vitae or resume, your online profile should aim to be as broad as possible. Experience shows that the more narrowly you define your skills profile the more likely that you could be overlooked by potential employers. It is better to get as much exposure as possible and for employers to discount you after clicking through to read your curriculum vitae, than to be overlooked because your online skills profile was too specific.

What’s In A Name?

Quite a lot actually. As discussed previously employers will set their own search criteria, but this is not always reliable. When you create your online profile think about the different terms used to describe a job or qualification and insert all possible variations, this way your online profile is more likely to be displayed to prospective employers.

For example IT help desk staff might be referred to as Help Desk Analysts, Customer Advisors, 1st, 2nd or 3rd Line Support Staff, Support Analysts, Call Centre Staff or Call Centre Advisors. A computer programmer could be referred to as a Software Engineer, Programmer, Developer, Software Developer or Analyst Programmer.

Think carefully about all the possible variations of your job title and what other terms organisations may use and remember to insert each of these into the search keywords on your profile.

Which Internet Job Site?

Choosing an internet job site to use can be difficult because of the wide number available. Many job hunters fall into the trap of registering on a large number of such sites and are then overwhelmed by email and telephone contact from employers and agencies about unsuitable jobs. The key is to find a job site that can demonstrate a specialism in the types of employment you are keen to find. Take time to ask friends or colleagues for their preferred sites to find out which are most beneficial. I have prepared a list of a number of the most popular internet job sites to help you get started, but you will need to decide for yourself through trial and error which is the most effective for your specific needs.