Searching for Jobs in the Internet Era

Searching for jobs, and applying for them, is nothing like it used to be even just a few short decades ago. In the good old days, people would hand in or mail their resume physically. Then they would sit near the phone and wait to hear back from the places they applied to.

You still do a version of this today, but the way it happens is much different. These days, an AT&T offers may be all you need to start applying to and possibly landing a job. Some things today need doing in exactly the right way, no matter what the job. This blog will show you how.

Searching for Jobs on the Internet – A Guide:

Since most of the hiring process these days is digital, you usually don’t meet your employer until an interview. This means everything you do before the interview needs to be on point. The application process and follow-ups need to be precise and error-free. Here’s what you need to know to be able to get a job successfully in the Internet Era:

1. Resume Building
2. Job Applications
3. Progress Monitoring
4. Follow-Ups

Read on for more details on these important areas of focus.

Resume Building:

Most employers use ATS to sort through the piles of resumes they get for an opening. Competition is tough out there. There are likely at least tens of other people applying for the same position as you are. Which is why companies use Applicant Tracking Systems. This means, before the hiring manager, you need to win over the ATS. You need to create a resume that can get past an ATS when you submit an online application. Some ways you can do this are:

• Making sure your resume is in a .docx or .doc format
• Proofreading your resume for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors
• Including keywords relevant to the industry or position

The job is not over once you get past the ATS. The ATS pass ensures a human hiring manager gets to see your application. This means your resume should also meet human standards. The average recruiter looks at a resume for 6 seconds. The things they look at should be easy to find. Make sure your format clearly includes your name, current position, past employers, and start and end dates of employment. If the recruiter finds this information in 6 seconds, and to their liking, you’re likely to proceed to the interview phase.

Job Applications

There are just so many avenues for you to apply for positions. It can get confusing with so many channels and social professional platforms. It is hard to say which platform works best in all situations. Instead of generic job sites or LinkedIn search, maybe a better idea would be to find job boards in your niche or expertise.

A direct visit to the company’s website for job listing wouldn’t hurt your chances. Also, if someone in your network works at the company, be sure to mark them as a referral on your application. Most online applications have this option, and it really improves your chances of proceeding to the next stage. Also, keep an eye on LinkedIn and other social platforms. You never know what comes up in your feed.

Progress Monitoring

When you’re applying to multiple jobs at the same time, you need to be particular about keeping track. Making a folder on Google Drive for this purpose can really help, especially if you’re moving about.

This is where you keep updated copies of your resume. This is also where you store cover letters customized to each position you apply to. Also, include a copy of the job description for the position you applied this. Having all this information on hand pays off.

You always track your progress with your applications and update the folder accordingly. That way you don’t get caught unprepared when you receive a call for an interview on one of them.

Follow-Ups

How you do this depends a lot on your employer. Many companies make it difficult for you to follow up because it can become a nuisance for recruiters. It’s usually safe for a follow up a week after you apply.

Alternatively, follow up a week after any deadlines so that they have had a chance to review your application. If you can determine who your recruiter is, it’s usually best to tailor your follow-up to them. However, don’t spend time trying to track down anonymous job postings. You may be more likely to end up hurting your chances.

If you get all of the above rights, your chances of landing a job improve substantially. Be sure to avoid some of the more common mistakes like typos, vague mass-emails to employers or using a standard resume. All you need to do is make sure your internet doesn’t go down during this process.

So keep the AT&T customer service number on speed dial. During job searches in the Internet Age, you can’t do without the internet, can you? Good luck with your job searches and applications. Happy hunting!