10 Things You Should Know Before Starting Your Digital Job Search

Nancy Anderson
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A number of employers list job vacancies through online sources such as specialized job websites, the company's Web presence and through industry association websites. However, these tools are not the only way to land the perfect position. Before you start your online job search, you need to know a few things to make your search more successful.

1. Digest These Statistics

Companies fill just 15 percent of positions through online job boards. Up to 70 percent of job seekers find their positions through networking, and businesses fill the rest of the positions through internal promotions. Take a balanced approach by researching the job market through online postings, but spend a greater portion of your time networking through social media.

2. Expand Your Horizons

Consider expanding your horizons by looking into non-traditional types of employment. You may find a really great company that shares the same values with you, but that employer may have locations far away from your home – and moving is not an option. Check into the possibility of telecommuting. Thanks to cloud computing and software applications, many businesses have flexible work options that may let you work from home instead of relocating.

3. Beat the Bots

Many large firms use applicant tracking software to weed through potential candidates, especially if they go through hundreds of resumes. Optimize your vital document to include the right keywords from the job description, the proper formatting techniques and accurate information. Having an optimized resume helps improve your rank and score in a pool of candidates.

4. Network

Networking is still a vital tool to landing a promotion or getting a new job. However, that does not mean attending special networking events and job fairs. Contemporary networking involves making connections through social media websites. Create professional relationships through specialty websites that let career-minded individuals reach out to colleagues with the same interests, degrees, certifications, backgrounds and industries. These networks also show where someone works, which lets you foster a connection with someone at a specific firm if you so choose.

5. Polish Your Personal Brand

Social media websites also let you create a personal brand. Post about various articles and newsworthy nuggets regarding issues important to your professional life. Share opinions about the latest white papers, industry standards, press releases, surveys and statistics. Blogging websites let you create a sphere of influence with others in your industry, so you get your name out there.

6. Get Rid of Your Negative Image

Your personal brand also includes previous posts made to your social media accounts. Examine these posts closely to see if any need to be removed. Get rid of any awkward pictures, racy photos or personal posts not meant for employers. Consider altering privacy settings on your social media accounts to make sure a prospective manager sees only the stuff you want him to view. Maintaining a positive, professional attitude in your social media goes a long way to reassuring an employer that you're the right person for the job.

7. Organize Your Job Search

Do not duplicate any efforts or waste time once you find a job posting. Create files on your computer that keep track of everything you do, including the job searches you perform, the applications you fill out and the contacts you make through social media. Note the time when you submitted your applications and resumes, so you know when to call or email to follow up. Write down when you contacted people within your network so you recognize that you're overdue for another quick personal message.

8. Customize Everything

Prepare to customize your application, cover letter and resume to each company that interests you. This shows your interest, your willingness to research the company and your technical skills. Include keywords from the job description in your vital documents.

9. Vary Your Searches

Don't rely on just one way to find a job. Vary your methods every day. If you spend one hour perusing online job boards, consider reading industry association websites for 30 minutes. Spend some time nurturing your network every single day.

10. Set Aside Time

Create a set schedule to get all of this done. If you have a job, plan to search during your off hours. If you are unemployed, set aside time at home so you concentrate on finding work.

An online job search entails more than just filling out online applications. Find a routine that works for you as you dive head-first into job boards, making new connections and revitalizing your personal brand.

Photo Courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson •

    @Doug thank you so very much for that. It's great to hear from someone who actually does the hiring. We still think that networking is important and it does work for some but definitely not for others. It's also good to know that newspaper ads and job boards are the main source of applicants. I wonder - do you use ATS at your company?

  • Doug S.
    Doug S. •

    As a senior level executive, I can dispel the idea once and for all that there is a "hidden" job market and that 70% of job seekers find their position through networking. Most companies haven't built any kind of network, and when they find they need a position filled, it is often long overdue and so they put an ad on a job board and end up having to sift through dozens of resumes. I have an extensive network, but have received far more interviews from newspaper and job board ads than networking. I believe one needs to pursue all avenues, but PLEASE let's put to rest the idea of the hidden job market. It exists but is probably very small.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson •

    @Shannon what I have done to extract keywords that I think that the ATS might be looking for is to compare two or more like positions and see what common words are used. I have found that if most of the job postings include these words then it's a pretty safe bet that these are the keywords that the ATS has been loaded with for that position.

  • Jane H.
    Jane H. •

    I have been weighing the pros and cons of social media for a long time now. While I reserve the right to change my mind again, right now I'm going to disagree about trying to edit one's life to please an employer. I've done a lot of that myself, so I know the drill, but I'm at a point in my life where I'm thinking if people can't accept me for who I am, then maybe they don't deserve my attention.

  • Shannon Philpott
    Shannon Philpott •

    I have found that applicant tracking software has really complicated the process for many job seekers. The importance of using keywords is primary. How would you recommend job seekers use keywords to pass through with flying colors when submitting through an ATS? Should they research keywords online or use words primarily from the job description?

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