Major Job-Search Sites
It doesn't matter what type of work you do; if you are looking for a job, there's a good chance you will find one that interests you on one of the major job-search sites. These sites are also called job banks. Employers in all industries post jobs on these Web sites. Those looking for work can search for jobs by keyword, location, or job category. Job seekers can often apply for jobs online or get further information on where to send their resumes.
Why You Should Visit the Major Job Banks First
If you were looking for a pair of shoes, would you first go to a tiny shoe store with a limited selection or would you turn to a big store with a large selection from which to choose? Most people would turn to the big store with the idea that they would be more likely to find something they wanted when there was more to choose from. Looking for a job on a major job bank is similar to shopping in that big store. You will find more jobs listed on those sites and therefore you will be more likely to find one for which you qualify.
You can often find job listings on corporate Web sites. Look for links to “Careers” or “Jobs.” If you can't find a link on the front page, look for a link to “About the Company.” Once you get to that page, you may see a link to job openings.
Which Job-Search Sites Should I Use?
There are several big job-search sites, but the biggest four are Monster (
Monster
You can search for a job on Monster without registering. However, if you want to take advantage of some special features, you should register. For example, to apply for a job through Monster, you must register. Registered members may also build a resume online that is searchable by employers. If you are a member you can also set up a job search agent by indicating the type of job you want along with its desired location. You will receive search agent results when there is an appropriate match. You can also save a search as an RSS feed, or news feed. Using a news-feed reader, you can receive updates on jobs that match your specifications. For more on how to set up RSS feeds, see the section titled “Step Five: Get the Latest News” in Chapter 12.
Monster is the number one job-search site, according to TopJobSites.com (
CareerBuilder
CareerBuilder is another very large and very popular job-search site. Through its partnership with several large newspaper publishers, Career Builder provides job listings from many local markets. Employers may also post listings to this site.
Anyone can search for jobs on CareerBuilder, but if you want to apply to any of them online, you must sign up to be a member. Membership also allows you to upload a resume or build one online. Your resume, if you wish, will become part of a resume database that employers can search. You can use your resume when you apply for jobs online. Members can set up job alerts by specifying certain criteria. CareerBuilder will send you these job alerts by e-mail.
Yahoo! HotJobs
Search-engine powerhouse Yahoo! is the parent company of HotJobs. When you search for a job on Yahoo! HotJobs, your results will include jobs employers have posted on this site, as well as jobs listed on other sites across the Web. In this sense, HotJobs is a hybrid of a job-search site and a job search engine. Job search engines will be discussed later.
Taking full advantage of Yahoo!'s search engine experience, HotJobs has some unique search capabilities. For example, once you begin your search, you can refine it by using the HotJobs Guided Search tool. You can limit your search to jobs that have been posted today or over the past two days, seven days, or 30 days. You can also narrow your search by company, experience required, or location. In addition to these criteria, you can have your results show only those jobs that have been posted by employers as opposed to staffing firms.
You want to apply for newer job listings before you apply for older ones. Jobs that have been listed for a while may already have a glut of candidates applying for them, or those jobs may have been passed over because they are in some way undesirable.
If you want to apply for a job online, you will need to become a registered member of Yahoo! If you have ever signed up for any other Yahoo! service you are already a member (you just need to remember your username and password). You can upload or create a resume that you can choose to make searchable by employers. You can also block specific companies from viewing your resume. HotJobs will send you alerts when jobs that fit your criteria are posted.
America's Job Bank
One of the largest job-search sites is America's Job Bank. This site is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. It comprises job postings submitted by employers as well as by state labor departments. Job seekers can search America's Job Bank by job category or keyword, and location.
Use the CareerOneStop Online Coach feature on America's Job Bank to help you with your job search. This service will help you search for jobs, find unemployment information, identify and upgrade your skills, and locate career advancement tools.
If you sign up for an account with America's Job Bank, you can create and post your resume online. It will be put into a database that employers can search. You can also set up job scouts that will alert you, by e-mail, of job openings that meet your specifications.
