Does Online Job Searching Work?
There's no doubt that online job searching has become the norm in today's world. With so many job seekers using the internet to search for jobs, it's hard to imagine a time when this wasn't the case. But does online job searching actually work? The answer is yes - but only if you have a good job search strategy. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the key points that will help you find success in your job search.
What does an online job board do?
An online job board is a website with a job search engine that allows you to search for jobs that are posted online. This can include job postings from companies, recruiters, and even individual employers. You can usually search for jobs by keyword, location, or industry. Many online job boards also allow you to set up alerts so that you're notified when new jobs that match your criteria are posted.
So how do you make sure your online job search is successful? Here are a few tips:
Use multiple online job boards: Different employers post jobs on different job boards. By using more than one online job board, you'll increase your chances of finding a job that's a good fit for you.
Get specific in your search: When you're searching for jobs, be as focused as possible. This means specifying the type of job you're looking for, as well as your desired location, salary, and other factors like if you’re looking to work remotely.
Use keywords: When employers are looking for candidates, they'll often use specific keywords. Make sure you're using these same keywords in your search so that you come up in the results ahead of other job seekers.
Set up job alerts: As we mentioned, many job search sites allow you to set up alerts for a specific job title or skills. This is a great way to make sure you're among the first few applicants for a position. If you're applying to jobs weeks after they're posted, chances are that interviews are already in progress and you've missed your opportunity.
Which are the best job search sites to use?
There are a number of different online job boards to choose from, but some of the best job search websites include LinkedIn, Google Jobs, and Indeed. Each job board has its own search engine and interface, so it's worth taking some time to explore each one to see which job search site is the best job website for you. For example, Google Jobs is one of the largest job boards (it's really more of a job aggregator) and is great for finding remote jobs. These job boards are large and quite popular, so your chances of finding a job that's a good match for you are quite high.
There are, however, many smaller, niche-specific job boards that you should not overlook if you're looking to find jobs that are specialized. If you're looking for a job in a particular field, these job boards can be an excellent source of job opportunities, providing a curated list of open positions for specific industries. For example, if you're looking for a job in tech, several different job boards focus specifically on information technology jobs (such as Dice.com and The Ladders). The same is true for other industries as well. Idealist is a great job board for nonprofit jobs, or check out Nurse.com for nurses.
For job seekers looking for jobs online, it's a good idea to use a combination of job sites including one or more large job boards and a few smaller, niche job boards to search jobs and improve your chances of finding the best job for you.
How to set up a daily job search routine.
As a job seeker, it's important to be consistent and put in the effort daily. This can be a full-time job in itself, so it's important to treat it as such. One of the best ways to do this is to set up a daily routine for your job search. Here's an example of what your daily job search routine could look like:
Wake up and spend 30 minutes reading industry news. This will help you stay up-to-date on what's happening in your field and give you some ideas for companies to target with your job search.
Spend an hour or two searching for jobs online. Use a combination of different job search sites, as well as specific company websites, and create a list of the best job listings that you've found.
Take a break for lunch and then spend another hour or two working on your applications. This includes tailoring your resume and cover letter to each specific job, as well as filling out any necessary online application forms.
In the afternoon, use social media to network with industry contacts. Connect with people you know on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
Before you finish for the day, spend a few minutes brainstorming ideas for your next job search steps. This could include researching companies you're interested in, reaching out to contacts for informational interviews, or attending networking events.
If you're currently working, you'll need to use a slimmed-down version of the steps above. Focus on the highest value activities like job searching, tailoring your resume, and networking. Make time in your day (before work, on your lunch break, and in the evening) and try to apply to only the best-matched positions to maximize your chances of landing the job. (For example, don't apply to jobs that require a security clearance if you don't have one.)
What are the benefits of networking when searching for a job online?
In the previous section, we talked about networking. This piece is so powerful that I recommend to my career coaching clients that they focus their job search almost exclusively on networking. Why is this?
There are several benefits to networking when searching for a job online. First, it allows you to connect with people who work in the industry you're interested in and learn about specific companies or openings that might be a good fit for you.
Second, it allows you to build relationships with people who could eventually help you get your foot in the door at a company you're interested in and land a fantastic job - even before it's posted on a job site.
Finally, networking can simply make the job search process more enjoyable by connecting you with like-minded people who understand what you're going through.
If you're not already doing so, make sure to incorporate networking into your daily job search routine. It's one of the most important things you can do to improve your chances of landing a new job and can make the difference between sending resumes into a black hole and landing your dream job.
How do I stay motivated while searching for a job online?
It's easy to get discouraged when job searching online. After all, you're competing against hundreds or even thousands of other applicants and it can feel like you're just a small fish in a big pond.
The best way to combat this feeling is to keep track of your progress. Make a list of the jobs you've applied for and make a note of each one that you've landed an interview for. This will help you see your progress and keep motivated as you continue your search.
Another way to stay motivated is to set small goals for yourself. For example, commit to applying for at least five jobs or reaching out to two new contacts per week. As you accomplish these goals, you'll feel a sense of progress and be more likely to stick with your job search.
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Finally, it's important to take breaks throughout the day and give yourself time to relax. Job searching can be intense and if you don't take breaks, you'll quickly start to feel burnt out. So make sure to schedule in some down time to relax and recharge, and think about something else!
Online job searching can work, but it needs to be done strategically.
Does online job searching work? The answer is - it depends on how strategic you are about it. By taking the time to search for jobs that are a good fit, tailoring your resume and cover letter, and networking with industry contacts, you can improve your chances of landing a job. And if you keep track of your progress, set small goals, and take breaks throughout the day, you'll be able to stay motivated throughout the process.
So don't give up on job search sites just yet! With a little bit of effort, you can find the job you're looking for. And if you need a little help and encouragement along the way, don't hesitate to book a free 15-minute strategy session with me. Good luck!
