There was once a point in time where when you were searching for a job, depending on your field, you had to look around for places that were hiring through a newspaper or community bulletin. From there, you had to visit prospective employers in person for applications or even fax your resume to a hiring manager.
But thanks to the constant evolution of the internet and rapid advancement in computing power, job hunting in the modern age is largely an all-digital affair. Whether you’re just looking to apply for something straightforward or need to overhaul your resume, you have some of the best tips for job seekers searching for work online.
From finding the best job boards and recruitment services to utilizing handy tools like sites that can convert PDF to Word files online from your mobile device, we’re got some of the best advice available to help you succeed at job hunting in the digital age.
Utilize The Many Job Hunting Resources Available
One of the big revolutions and advantages of trying to find jobs online is the access to a seemingly endless variety of job boards and recruitment services out there.
Job boards like Indeed, Monster, or Zip Recruiter are all great starting points and provide very easy ways for you to match directly with jobs that you’re qualified and looking for. There, prospective employers post their open positions, which you can apply directly to with your resume on the platform.
While those are all great places to try out for most, people in more specialized fields may want to consider taking advantage of niche job boards or even reaching out to recruitment services. If you have a specific employer you want to work for, check to see if they offer a dedicated employment portal complete with in-house job listings.
There are plenty of tools you can utilize to help make these processes easier. For example, online file converters can let you take a PDF resume and convert it to a Word document for easier editing.
Update and Streamline Your Resume As Needed
Not only has technology made it easier than ever to find and apply to jobs, but it’s also made updating your resume and sprucing it up to make it shine easier than ever.
Before hitting the job market, you’ll want to give your resume a good pass and update information as needed. While you’re working on it, consider tidying it up a bit by updating your job descriptions and responsibilities to showcase yourself in the best light possible. When applying to different jobs, tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for.
Nowadays, resumes are often submitted to platforms that utilize applicant tracking systems, also known as ATS’. This type of specialized software helps companies streamline and manage their hiring procedures by sorting and organizing the litany of applications they receive. With this in mind, ensure that your resume is ATS compliant by formatting it correctly and utilizing the right keywords for it to get picked up.
Avoid Common Digital Job Searching Mistakes
There are plenty of mistakes you can make while trying to search for jobs digitally, and any one of them can potentially ruin your chances of getting the job you’re applying for.
In addition to utilizing the right tools, leveraging the right job boards for the type of work you’re looking for, ensuring your resume is updated and ATS compliant, and tailoring your resume to each specific job post you apply to, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Read job descriptions carefully
- Follow up with prospective employers
- Prepare for each interview
- Know the company and position you’re applying for
- Proofread everything you submit for potential errors
- Don’t include false or inaccurate information
Finding Success Searching For Jobs Online
Trying to search for and apply to jobs online has never been easier, empowering potential job seekers to secure jobs they really want and are qualified for.
You can have apps for job boards directly at your fingertips that provide real-time notifications for jobs you’re looking for. Now there are a variety of powerful algorithms that help connect employers to their dream employees and those employees with their dream job.
While technology has simplified and streamlined many aspects of the process, never forget about the human part of the process. Having an ATS-compliant resume can help connect you to that job, but your personality, determination, and genuine interest in the position and field will greatly increase your odds of success and getting your desired job.