Searching for Jobs on the Internet
The Internet has completely changed the ways and means of job searching. It has created a neutral (and easily reached) ground where employers and job seekers can seek each other in complete anonymity with just the click of a button.
According to the 1999 Electronic Recruitment Index Summary, employers and recruiters posted almost 29-million job openings on the Internet in 1999 alone.
The Internet can provide you with a multitude of tools to make your search less frustrating and more knowledgeable. Amongst other things you can find :
- Tips for choosing the right job and career;
- Techniques for preparing, and samples of, CVs and covering letters for any job;
- Interviews-related resources;
- Salary trends, and company and industry research.
However, the Internet should not be regarded as a surefire way of landing a job.
Submitting Your Resume Online
The Internet has also changed the way CVs and application letters are sent to employers and recruiters. One note of caution though - DO NOT SEND YOUR CV AS SOME STRANGE APPLICATION ATTACHMENT, unless this is explicitly specified. Microsoft Word is for instance a generally accepted format.
If your receiver does not have that specific application, or has an older version, he/she will not be able to read your CV.
For frequent submission of CVs online, it might be worth considering having your own homepage depicting your CV. (It only takes a few hours to learn enough HTML for such a task). The link to your site can then be sent together with a personalised email.
Some sites, especially those operated by employment/recruitment agencies, also provide a form which can be filled in and submitted online.
Searching Job Sites
Once your CV is ready for online submission, you should start looking for the right sites where to submit it. Whilst at first this may seem a daunting and time-consuming task, the more you do it, the better you'll get.
Go through search engines, directories, banner links, until you have collected a comprehensive list of chosen sites that list your favourite jobs. Submit your CV to those job sites that most apply to your situation.
If you work for some big corporation, and are worried about confidentiality, make sure they have a privacy statement. In this privacy statement (sometimes referred to as a privacy policy) you will find all details regarding how personal information is handled).
Comprehensive Sites
These are excellent one-stop sites to start from. They usually have a broad range of jobs related resources, in various fields. At these sites you can usually :
- Search for jobs and employers/recruiters;
- Research companies, industries, and employers;
- Read reference material such as articles, or even purchase books;
- Submit your CV and/or situations wanted;
- Take part in newsgroups, bulletin boards, and/or chat rooms;
- Explore various career and study opportunities.
Speciality Sites
These sites usually do not offer many bells and whistles, but are specialized in a particular industry. From Computers to Engineering, from Healthcare to Managerial, many of these sites offer job-oriented resources. Just be sure to explore the site, before submitting your CV or any other kind of personal information.
Regional Sites
Whilst sites divided in cities are not really much of a factor for the Maltese Islands, they are for those looking for jobs overseas. You can find sites that provide you with all the resources mentioned above, but customized for specific countries, provinces or cities.
Article prepared by Commercial Services Bureau (CSB) Ltd.
Since 1987, CSB Ltd. has been servicing the local and international business community with its range of employment/recruitment related services. It has helped thousands of employees improve their job conditions and careers, and employers obtain the ideal staff for their organisations.
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