Dear Miss Applesassy,
I just got laid off from my job and have heard the internet is a good place to hunt for work. What sites should I go to, and does it really work?
Signed,
Pink Slip
Dear Pink Slip,
Miss Applesassy offers her sincere condolences on the loss of your job, but reminds all those in your position, that new and better opportunities often arise from upheaval and change. With that in mind, she does indeed recommend using the interweb as a job hunting tool.
The first step in this process is to put your resume on a site called Linked-In, and to join some of the many user groups there. Linked-In is the on-line resume posting tool used by professionals around the globe. There are several good books available with information about how to use Linked-In and maximize your chances of finding employment through this venue. Do be aware though, simply posting your resume and doing nothing else is unlikely to yield any measurable results. Linked-In is not a substitute for business networking, but rather a tool to improve and expand your existing networks.
It is most helpful to set aside some time to write a few short articles about your area of expertise and post them on the appropriate Linked-In user groups. This allows potential employers to get to know you and learn more about what skills you have to offer.
Other Interweb resources include job sites like Monster.com. You can post your resume there as well, and set up an account allowing you to search through thousands of listed job opportunities. Most job board sites allow you to filter your search by location, job type, or other preferences.
It is also wise to at all times manage your public image across the web, as any damaging information you in cyberspace will linger forever. So while you are in between jobs, Miss Apps advises refraining from any on-line activities that you would not want your grandmother to read about on the front page of the local church bulletin.
Do that and you will be in the pink in no time,
Miss Applesassy
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Lots of jobs out there. 3 job sites chosen by about.com as getting the best results for job seekers -
http://www.linkedin.com (professional networking)
http://www.indeed.com (aggregated listings)
http://www.realmatch.com (matches you to jobs)
good luck to all that need work!