3 Job Searching Tips on How to Find a Job Online

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.

– Mark Twain

Finding a job is hard enough, but throw in a bunch of technology into the mix and it can become even more chaotic. From innovative social platforms like Facebook to the latest job search engines like Indeed, the job search process doesn’t begin with browsing the newspaper for openings like it used to. So, how do you find a job online and where do you start? Here are three helpful job searching tips.

1. Think big and then think small

Starting your search with searching the top job search engines will give you pretty good results. These search engines aggregate listings from different sources so you get a variety of results in terms of quality and quantity. One of the problems though is job openings from medium to smaller companies sometimes aren’t always found there. This means you may also want to include a narrower search to be more effective. This includes searching for niche job boards dedicated to your specific industry whether you are a programming prodigy or marketing master, there is probably a job board out there for you. Check out our own hand-picked collection of best job boards by industry.

Want to get even narrower? Some people know exactly what company they want to work for and that is amazing. We recommend visiting the company’s website and applying through their application process even if the job you want is listed somewhere else. Sometimes companies are more responsive to applicants that apply through their own website because it shows that the candidate has taken initiative to seek them out and apply with them from the crowds of other companies.

2. Be included                                                                                        

You’ve heard the saying: you can’t win, if you’re not in. It’s true, even when it comes to finding a job online. Consider joining an online community, LinkedIn group or an association in your field. You would be surprised to see how many postings in specific LinkedIn groups asking if anyone knows someone with such and such skills for such and such position. Associations are particularly valuable because they are dedicated to their members’ development including career development. Most of these associations even have their own job boards with very relevant opportunities. The downside – sometimes you can look at the jobs but will have to be a member to apply.

3. Become social

It’s hard, we know. With everything else you have to worry about, why be social? Getting the word out that you’re looking to further your career or change careers is an important part of any job search strategy. Your network might know of an opportunity you don’t or have some other way to help you. But you will never know unless you ask. So post a Facebook status update, tweet your passion, and start seeing what happens.                        

Discover more resources on how to find a job online.
Explore a hand-picked collection of job websites and resources for different industries and states at JobMana.com. The collection is continually growing with new sites and job search articles and tips.