Effective Job Search Methods

Whether you are looking for gainful employment or seeking a new career path, finding your way through the maze of job search engines, resume writing/posting services, and job recruiters can quickly become a nightmare. It pays to research which services produce the best results to avoid wasting precious time and missing out on the best new job opportunities. Through personal experience, I have provided some information I have found about which job search methods work and which ones do not.

General Job Search Engines

The search results on general job search engines can sometimes be frustrating at best. You have to learn how to filter out unwanted results by narrowing your search by location, salary requirements, education criteria, industry, or company. Even then, you will likely get unwanted results, such as national listings that are not location specific or what I like to call "spam jobs." In my definition, spam jobs are jobs that promise unlimited or highly exaggerated income for little work. Many sales opportunities fall into this category.

Another word of advice, if you see a company that has a large number of job openings at any given time, perhaps you should research why their employee turnover is so high. One good place to conduct such a search is glassdoor.com . Here, you can read what real employees have to say about working for the company.

Some of the best known general job search engines are Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com and Indeed.com. While these job sites are reputable and provide many legitimate job opportunities, the information can often be outdated. Some employers leave job listings up even after the position has been filled. Most of these job sites also allow you to post your resume. If you decide to post a resume on-line, take some time to make sure your information is current, complete and relevant to the job you are seeking.

Specialized Job Search Engines

A more effective job search method is to look for industry specific job search engines. You can find these by doing a web search for "insurance job search engines" or "accounting job search engines" or whatever industry you are seeking employment in. With these sites, many also offer the ability to post your resume there. I have been called back by a job recruiter from one of these industry specific job sites. Again, you have to weed through many outdated or unrelated positions, but occasionally, you will find a gem.

There are also college job boards out there for new graduates who specialize in finding jobs for college graduates and post job openings for companies looking to hire new graduates. Some of these sites include CareerRookie , CollegeJobBank.com , and CollegeRecruiter.com .

Social Media

It is becoming a common practice for employers to fill positions by searching social media sites such as LinkedIn or Facebook . Make sure you have a professional looking profile listing your educational and employment experience. You never know who may be looking to hire you. LinkedIn is a professional social media network where you can connect with companies, industry professionals and other job seekers. They also offer a job search engine. Take advantage of the ability there to follow companies you are interesting in working for.

Company Websites

Another effective job search method is to apply for a job directly from the company website. Many companies do not post openings with the general job search engines. Rather than pay for a job posting, many companies will post their openings on their own website. If you know what industry you want to work for, do a search of companies within the industry located within your state or city. Then, go to their website and search the current job openings.

Resume Writing Services

There are many resume writing services available. Some are free and some can cost you a great deal of money. Free resume templates are readily available on the Internet. Just make sure to follow the template and fill it in with all your employment and job history information. There are services that offer to review your resume. However, if you read the fine print, most come with a fee. You may be offered the service for free with a trial subscription to their service. If you decide to take the free service, make sure to cancel your subscription after the trial period is over if you do not wish to pay for the service.

It is also a good practice to include a cover letter with your resume. Most of today's top employers expect it. There are also many free examples on the web of an effective cover letter. Just do a web search for "free cover letter example."

Resume Posting Services

Resume posting services are out there. In my opinion, they are not as valuable as you might think. I succumbed to the temptation and posted my resume with Resume Rabbit. Granted, they post your resume to up to 85 job sites, a feat that would probably take you weeks or months to accomplish. However, they charge a fee of $50. Most of the responses I have received have been for outdated job positions, jobs outside of my interest area, or altogether unrelated to the position I was seeking. If you go through the process and complete the application up to the payment options then close it out, you will receive an email offering you their services for half price. I would not have responded had I not been offered the half price option. Now, I wish I had just spent the money on something useful like a tank of gas!

Job Recruiters

Job recruiters, or headhunters as they are sometimes called, are also out there eager for you to use their services. Some offer a resume service as well as the option of sending out your resume to potential employers. If you choose to use a job recruiter, make sure it is one that is paid for by the employer and not the job seeker. A few recruiters will offer their services and not charge you a fee, until they find you a job. Do your research if choosing to use a job recruiter. Make sure they are reputable and can produce the results promised.

Resources:

Consumer Search: Job Site Reviews

Job Diagnosis: Job Search Methods Advice

Employment Digest: Job Search Rip Offs - How to Avoid Them!