Using the Computer To Help Me Find a Job
by Don Georgevich
Unlike days of yore, job seekers do not have to spend their days walking around the city looking for work. They do not even need to print copies of their resumes or have their official documents photocopied many times. In fact, copying, printing and transportation costs have been greatly reduced, and in some cases, eliminated. All these benefits were brought about by the increasing use of the computer and the Internet in job search. If you are one of millions seeking a job, then the following resources can help you find one faster at little or no cost.
General Job Hunting Tips
Before you embark on a mission to find that dream, you must read the following job hunting tips. Learn how to write an engaging application letter or how to ace that interview. Know the dos and don’ts of writing your resume. Observe good job etiquette during and after job interviews.
- General Job Hunting Tips (PDF) - This PDF document is shared by the Beta Alpha Psi at the website of the Washington State University. Other job hunting sources there include samples of Power Resumes and practice interview questions.
- Dual Career Resources - Although this section of the University of California Santa Cruz site is provided for faculty looking for a second job, the quality of resources are useful to everyone who needs to land that dream job.
- Job Search Tips (PDF) - A brief introduction to job search tips and resources from the Employment Development Department from the State of California.
- WorkSmart's How To Find A Job Section - This page is part of the WorkSmart program of the State of California. It contains links to government agencies, job sites, and job hunting articles.
- Finding a Job in Eight Easy Steps - It's a very useful page with links to job sites, government sites and available books on recruitment and job search.
- Job Hunting on the Internet - A comprehensive list of tips and resources on searching for jobs online.
- Job Search Skills - An overview of skills needed to find the right job.
- How To Job Search from Riley Guide - Another comprehensive resource on job search. It includes links to popular job sites, government sites, and updated news and articles on the job search market.
- General Job Search Tips - A brief, but concise article that shares useful advice to college students on searching for the right job. This article is at the web site of Cazenovia College.
- Using The Internet to Find A Job - Some job seekers may not be aware of the hidden job market, which goes beyond job ads and job fairs. The widespread popularity of social networking made job hunting easier for both job seekers and recruiters.
Help With Your Resume
Job seekers make their first impression on recruiters through their resumes. Before the company's HR personnel see the candidate in person, they already form their impression of the individual's knowledge, skills and personality based on the quality of information they can glean from the job candidate's resume. Thus, taking the time and expending the effort to create an impressive set of qualifications should be a priority for every job seeker. The following resources should provide ideas on the kind of resume that would work to the job seeker's favor.
- Resumes and Cover Letters - A useful page on writing resumes and cover letters from the Career Services Center of Western Kentucky University.
- Resume and Cover Letter Preparation - A clear and concise explanation of the different types of resumes that prove useful in job search. Samples are provided to guide job seekers in writing their own resumes and cover letters.
- A Guide to Resumes And Cover Letters (PDF) - A guide written by Lyn Hood for Cabrillo College. Contains samples of cover letters and resumes.
- Resume Guide - A concise guide into writing an effective resume. It lists the Dos and Don'ts of resume writing. It also includes words to use in describing quality and performance attributes. Samples of resumes and cover letters are found at the end of the document.
- Hot Tips On Resume Writing - A practical no-nonsense guide into resume writing. It includes applicable answers to commonly asked questions by job seekers.
- Resume Workshop - Learn the correct way of writing your resume without grammar mistakes or misspellings. Write descriptions of your previous work or your qualifications with clarity.
- Tips for Effective Resumes - A list of tips to creating a winning curriculum vitae. Check out the Resume Tutor of the University of Minnesota, which presents a helpful walkthrough into writing a clear, functional resume.
- Resume Tips From MIT Career Development Center - More tips on writing a resume. It includes tips for a scanner-friendly resume and a short checklist for creating resumes using a desktop computer.
- Resume Essentials 101 - Aside from the basic hints for writing a good resume, this page includes types of resume formats to use.
- Writing Your Resume - Simple tips for job seekers in writing their resumes. The site includes a list of do's and don'ts, basic elements of a resume, unfortunate facts, and student guidelines.
Cover Letters
Cover letters act as cursory greeting to the HR personnel in charge of retaining resumes for job positions. The cover letter reveals a lot about the communications skills and manners of a job candidate. A well-worded cover letter can make a difference between a resume that gets accepted into the list and a resume that is binned into oblivion. Learn how to write your cover letters with effectiveness and clarity through the following resources.
Interviewing
An invitation to a job interview signals the next big step towards getting that position. A low-level recruitment officer or the HR manager, depending on the kind of interview, may see you. Impressing them with your communication skills and your confidence is important as well as dressing up appropriately for the interview. The following resources provide ideas on interview questions you will likely answer and some tips on non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice.
- General Answering Tips - A short list of useful tips for a seamless job interview.
- Interviewing Tips - A comprehensive article on how to ace that job interview. It includes sample questions, advice on questions to ask the interviewer, a detailed description of the job interview process, and other information useful for job seekers.
- Sharpen Your Job Interview Skills - Good advice on building trust and camaraderie with your interviewer. It also includes specific questions to ask the interviewer.
- The Secret To A Successful Job Interview - An article that shares practical tips in delivering an impressive performance during a job interview.
- Interviewing Skills Guide from Virginia Tech - A comprehensive resource of tips and tricks for a successful job interview. It details steps to undertake before, during and after the interview to get the job you want.
Top Job Search Sites
Additional Career Resources