Seven Steps to Finding a Job Online
1) Pinpoint the jobs you might want. Before you do anything else, go to the websites of the companies you have targeted and get the job descriptions of specific openings that interest you.
2) Take your cue from the job descriptions. Next, mark the specific “words and phrases” that describe the skills and knowledge someone has decided are necessary for each job.
3) Rewrite your resume for each opening. Use the keywords and phrases you highlighted when describing any relevant experience you have. Be precise. Don’t use abbreviations that someone outside your field of expertise would not understand. Taylor each resume you submit to match the job description. If you have limited training or experience in a given area of the job description, concentrate on the ones where you do have some knowledge.
4) Create a “Skills” heading on your resume. Take all the keywords and phrases you highlighted from the job description and list them under this heading, even if they are mentioned in your resume’s “Experience” or “Education” sections. It seems redundant, but some computer screening systems are set up to scan the “Skills” part first. Again, it’s a way to not get tossed aside in the first round of screening.
5) Rewrite your profile on each website. When you register on employer websites, make sure your online profile includes those same keywords and phrases – especially if the company asks for your “interest areas” or “skills”.
6) Then – and only then – apply for the jobs for which you are qualified. If you’ve already applied for specific jobs, follow the five steps above and reapply.
7) Keep customizing your resume and updating your online profile. As you apply for more jobs, repeat the process above for each one.