As unemployment continues to rise, job hunters are finding a highly competitive job market. These online reference tools will help you power to the top of any job applicant pool.
Job Search PlanningThink smarter: It helps to know the most efficient ways to find a job. While people spend most of their time searching jobs online or reading the papers, it is not the most efficient. Sources for jobs that have higher success rates include:
- Word-of-mouth referrals
- Direct contact with companies
- Employment agencies and recruiters
* Other includes referrals from schools, unions, trade journals, and government services.
Knowing this, your weekly job search model should include:
- Contact at least 10 people or resources per day; 5 days per week. You should try and make a total of 18 networking contacts per week, and contact at least 15 companies directly per week.
- Get 2 referrals from each contact. (At the end of each conversation, ask if they know anyone that may be hiring or is a good contact to reference).
- Try and setup at least two face-to-face meetings or interviews each day.
Making contacts online:
1) Facebook – not a direct business tool, but you can ask your friends or post updates on your job search (“I just got back from a Job interview”).
2) MySpace – again, not a direct business tool, but you can ask your friends for referrals.
3) LinkedIn – HOT – Many people reporting a lot of success with LinkedIn. It trumps the online competition for business networking. Join the site and import your contacts. In addition, their online job search is particularly unique and helpful. Tip: use the ‘answer’ section to broadcast a question to your entire network.
4) Sample Networking Letter – use this format to send to your friends on forums, social networks, or via email.
4) APsense.com – for home based businesses.
5) Plaxo – organize your online address book.
6) Vault.com – career discussions.
7) Jobster.com – Post your resume, join networks and get advice.
What Employers Can Find Out About You – if you use any social networking sites for job hunting, make sure you read this checklist so you can maintain a professional profile.
9) How to Use Social Networks for Job Hunting – in depth guide to using social networks for job hunting.
- Preparing to Present Your Skills: Tools for Resumes and Other Interactions
10) Resume Power Words – Build a resume using the precise words to describe your accomplishments. Remember, hiring managers have 30-seconds to look over a resume, and if you add more detailed they will think you have more experience. However, do not just fluff your resume with words, be concise, simple and direct.
11) More Power Words – additional words to consider.
12) 10 Resume Mistakes – avoid these at all costs.
13) Resume Generator – website resume wizard.
14) How to Write a Masterpiece Resume – these two simple tips can really make you shine.
15) ResumeEdge – Resume writing service.
16) Thesaurus – A must when trying to find the perfect work.
17) Google Docs – Online word processor loaded with free templates for crafting your resume.
18) Free Resume Templates – a starting point to see how others’ present themselves.
19) Free Resume Review – get advice on your resume.
20) Cover Letter Basics – learn what to say to make a good impression.
21) Sample Cover Letter – just a sample.
22) Resume 101 – basic tips.
23) Thank you letter basics – put one off.
24) Six Tips for Following Up on Your Resume – Business Week gives great advice.
Networking
25) Join a Professional Association or Other Groups – how to go about joining a professional organization.
26) Yahoo’s Directory of Professional Associations – good old Yahoo has a comprehensive list.
27) Prominent organizations – check here for more groups to join.
28) Weddle’s Directory – Large database of organizations and societies you can join for networking.
Job Sites
29) BookALesson Online – job hunting for music instructors.
30) Care.com – babysitting, nanny, child care, tutoring, senior care.
31) Craigslist Jobs – browse jobs in any city.
32) Careerbuilder – large job search site.
33) Indeed.com – search jobs across multiple sites.
34) Simply Hired – millions of jobs from a variety of sources.
35) Hotjobs – Yahoo’s job board.
36) Monster.com – jobs, career advice and social network.
37) Government Jobs – USAJOBs
Job Fairs
38) Find a Job Fair – events near you.
39) Monster’s Job Fair Guide – what to bring, how to dress, what to expect.
Interviews
40) Job Interview Guide – make the best of your job interview.
