How to use job search resources to really get a job

Nowadays, the internet has surpassed newspapers in quantity of jobs advertised. In this, it is extremely easy to be drowned in sorting through what’s available. Also, sometimes different online agencies will be advertising the same role.

You should register your CV with several online agencies. Make sure you provide your email address, then you’ll be sent potential opportunities that match your keywords or CV (which may have been scanned electronically for keywords).

With online searches, carefully select the key words in the search field. Also check the search logic grammar—this may be similar to Google, but there are variants.

While online searches are powerful, it’s important to also check advertisements in major newspapers as well as journals within your profession. Major newspapers usually have a particular day each week or fortnight when they advertise jobs for a particular industry. Employers and agents will also expect responses from prospective candidates within the next two days—so the sooner you respond the better.

Many employers advertise anonymously, however sometimes it’s possible to determine who is behind the advertisement. If you manage your applications carefully, you’ll be able to see patterns (recruitment agency, type of work, location, etc). Combined with a good knowledge of the industry players and current movements, it is possible to understand why a particular role is being advertised. You can use this intelligence in tuning your cover letter (of course without being explicit), and also assessing whether the job is worth applying for in the first place.

Job search resources—online & offline—and how to use them