Job Hunting Tips

Job hunting doesn’t have to be a pain. Be prepared, look in the right places, and maximize your search. Here are a few tips for your job hunt.

Check your local newspaper for jobs. This can be a tedious task especially when you can search for jobs online. The only reason to search for jobs in your local newspaper is when you don’t have access to a computer. You can read a newspaper anywhere like in line at the grocery store, while you’re having lunch or riding the bus. Sometimes you can find a job in the paper that you didn’t see online. It can’t hurt to give it a peek.

The best way to job hunt is online. Hunting for jobs online is the easiest way to look through job ads. These websites have time-saving features you can utilize in your search. One great feature is the keyword search. You can type in a certain phrase or job title and you’ll receive a list of results that match your search.

Within this search you can sort the job ads by date so that you see the recently posted job ads instead ads that have been out for two weeks or more. You can forget about those jobs. Employers have either hired someone by that time or at least received dozens and dozens of resumes that will take weeks to weed through. If they still can’t find someone the employer will repost the job anyway. Don’t waste your time with old posts. The trick is to apply to a new posting as early as possible, preferably the same day.

Anther way to search job web sites is by location or zip code. This allows you to really set the area that you wish to work. No point in looking at a position that’s two hours away unless you’re heart is set on that particular company.

Once you’ve located the jobs you want, the next step is to send out your resume. You should already have your resume done before you search for jobs. You can’t be the first to email or fax your resume if you still have to take a day to polish it. Your resume should be ready to go so that you can make minor changes quickly in order to tailor your resume to a particular position.

Most companies will ask you to email your resume. Be sure to have your resume in a file that can be opened by most programs. A Word file is a good option. Pay attention to the job ad. Does it ask you not to send your resume as an attachment? Many companies don’t like to open attachments because of computer viruses. If you see this warning, copy and paste your resume into the body of your email. Email it to yourself first so you can see what it looks like. Change any fonts or bullet points if it doesn’t show well in email format.

Whether you use the newspaper or the Internet, job searching doesn’t have to be a pain. The trick is to be prepared to send out your resume at a moment’s notice. Soon you’ll have the job you’re looking for.