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In Focus Return Home
  Beyond the Basics
4 Advantages of a Targeted Internet Job Search
The Internet has become a great job search resource; but most people only rely on the "super-sites." Monster, HotJobs and CareerBuilder are usually the first websites that come to mind when launching a job hunt. However, because of their popularity and the hundreds of thousands of candidates who have posted résumé, you may not want to rely on these mega-job-search sites alone for your job search. Don't forget, it's difficult to stand out in a crowd of thousands.

Plus, many companies don't patronize the large employment sites. Often, they won't post current openings to avoid receiving hundreds of responses from unqualified candidates, nor are they interested in sifting through thousands of résumé. In your job search, you might have to be more creative in locating the opportunities, and devise a good strategy to get noticed by Human Resources.

Hopefully, you've identified a list of companies that interest you. If so, why not go straight to the source? You will discover many advantages to visiting the website of your dream company. Here are four of the main advantages:

1. Information. Visiting a company website provides you with a wealth of information about your potential employer. You can learn about their history, stability, and culture and get an in-depth description of their business units. When you begin the interview process, your research will be impressive.
2. Opportunities. To attract serious candidates and maintain more control over their recruiting efforts, companies often post job openings on their sites. Sometimes these listings are static, meaning they have permanent job descriptions posted regardless of availability. Sometimes they have specific listings for immediate openings.

Look for links to "Careers," "Opportunities," "Employment," or "Human Resources." If you don't see these links, select "Contact Us," where you will typically find human resource contact information. Even if they have no immediate opportunities, your submitted contact information will remain on file.
3. Customization. Wait! Not so fast! Based on what you've learned from the home page of your target employer, you will be able to tailor your résumé to specifically address their needs. If you're lucky enough to have found a desirable job posting, make sure that your résumé conveys your ability to perform well in that position.
4. Display of Tenacity. Companies seek candidates who are determined and know what they want. Your targeted and proactive job search strategies will impress them and let them know that you can get the job done.

The more specialized your job search, the easier it will be to find an employer who is most likely to be impressed with your credentials and accomplishments.

But remember...although the Internet can be a great job search resource, it's not the only one! Cover all ground by combining your new online strategies with phone calls, networking and attending industry meetings and job fairs. You never know where the next opportunity will pop up, so it's best to be prepared for them all.

Return HomeTop
The Non-Traditional
Job Search
5 Tips to Increase Your
Networking Know-How
Find Your Next Employer...
Before Your Job Search
In Focus
The Non-Traditional
Job Search

5 Tips to Increase Your
Networking Know-How

4 Advantages of a
Targeted Internet
Job Search

Find Your Next Employer...
Before Your Job Search



Have Your Say
Which job-search strategy is most likely to lead to a job offer?
Join a networking group.
Post a résumé on a
      job site.
Cold call a target
      company.
Contact a recruiter.

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