Using the Internet to Find a Job

Is there really another way to find a job? These days I can’t even imagine looking any other way for a job, besides the Internet.

I can barely remember what it was like, pre-monster.com. Back in high school I was forced to prowl up and down the mall asking for applications. I remember my hands would cramp from writing my address and other personal information a hundred times over. My fingertips would get black ink on them when scrolling through the Wanted Ads in the newspaper; I would circle jobs of interest with a highlighter. Job hunting was a long, tiring and painful process. 

But NOW it doesn’t have to be, in fact ever since I graduated from college, the Internet is the only way I look for a job. Sure there are other ways but where else can you look for a job at 2 am, fill out applications in your pajamas and respond to interview requests with a click of a mouse.

Still not convinced?  Here are six reasons why you should take your job search online?

1. You can search for jobs 24/7 and when it’s convenient for you.
2. You can cover more ground with your search online and get to know companies in your local area.
3. You can also take your search further than your regular boundaries. Thinking about moving to Denver? You can look for a job online before taking the leap.
4. Using the Internet to find a job demonstrates that you have computer skills, which are necessary for most jobs.
5. You can meet new people in your profession without the stress of face-to-face contact.
6. You can even explore other career options that you never considered before.

Last week I sent a Facebook message to a local photographer and asked if I could observe one of his school portrait shoots. If it wasn’t for the ability to contact him online, I wouldn't have had the experience.  

When taking your jobs search online, don’t limit yourself to popular job sites like monster.com and careerbuilder.com. Find job sites that are related to your industry, look for industry related groups to join. Connect with others in your field on Linked In and Facebook. When connecting online you will never know when and where a job lead will show up.

If there is a specific company you want to work for, start connecting with them socially online. Join their Facebook page, add them as a friend on Twitter and start engaging in conversation. There are many Twitter and Facebook job success stories.

If you aren’t having luck finding a permanent job and your pockets are feeling empty, you can freelance your services while looking for full-time work by offering your services on craigslist or another classifieds site.