HUNTSVILLE - Just like the first steps into the cold waters of the lakes of Muskoka in springtime, the start of a job search online can be full of dread and apprehension.
Do you throw yourself in or do you take gradual steps? Whatever choice you make, it is inevitable that you need to use the Internet in some way to succeed in finding that job.
In today’s job search environment there are several things you need to have in place to proceed effectively; your resume, your network of contacts, clean clothes for the interview and especially your email address.
A majority of employers now ask that you email your resume to them; if that is not an option for you then you will miss out on that job.
The good news is that it does not take long to create an email address that can be accessed anywhere in the world. When you set up an email or use the one you have already for a job search you need to make sure the address is professional.
If you have used the same email since you were in school, maybe its time to change it up.
Also, once you have applied through email it becomes easier to do it again the next time. You just repeat the same steps for the next job and you can copy and paste the words you used in the previous email over again; sometimes technology can be a good thing.
Aside from your email address, the Internet also provides numerous websites that list jobs available; there are large nationwide job listing sites, or government sites for all levels of government, there are commercial sites for specific businesses, there are websites designed like the classified section of newspapers and finally there are social networking sites that are now being used more and more by employers and job seekers alike.
Familiarity with all of these types of sites will increase your ability to find work. At the YMCA Employment Service office we have resources job seekers can use to find and explore all of the sites that are helpful for job search.
Our computers are available and there are no time limits for use of the computers as long as it is job search related. We can help you visit the sites and navigate through them.
Knowing what your presence is online and what other people can find out about you is also important.
You may not be aware of links to your name or other material that over time has accumulated on the Internet. Potential employers can see all the media coverage, company marketing and friends uploading stuff.
Take a moment to search for yourself just to be aware of what may come up in an interview. If you have social media accounts already take the time to sanitize them if necessary and possibly change your security settings so you know and understand how people can view you online.
Also tell your friends that you are in the job search process and use that network to find work.
By taking the plunge into the Internet, you will expand your job search resources and find a new path to complete your search. Having access to email, knowing the job sites that are out there and how to navigate them and participating in social media will be more helpful in today’s technology-intense environment. These things can be made easier with our help.
For more information about job searching on-line contact us! The YMCA Employment Service is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and we are located at 60 King William St. Huntsville, across from Shoppers Drug Mart. Give us a call at 705-787-0349.
This Employment Ontario service is funded in part by the Government of Canada.