The Internet, as you know, has created ample opportunities for people to find work. From temporary gigs to full-time jobs, opportunities are everywhere.
Job hunting online can take a lot of work, but there are a ton of resources out there to make it easier. You can find a new career on job aggregate sites or use something like Craigslist for temporary gigs. Whatever type of gig you are looking for, whether it is full-time, freelance, or temporary, can be found online. While it is time-consuming to go through listings, apply, and network, it’s worth it in the end.
In order to job hunt successfully on the Internet, you need patience, persistence and consistency. Remember, I struggled for almost 2 years to find a job — and then after beating out 200 people, I finally got a full-time career. Then after a year, I transitioned into being full-time freelance, after finding work on the Internet! It is important to know where and how to look — and also utilize your personal network to your advantage.
Where and How to Look for a Position
The most popular way is to look at various websites that specialize in the work you are looking for or look at aggregate sites that do all the heavy lifting for you. I’d also say that attending networking events and tapping your network are huge. It’s all about who you know! But if you don’t have friends in your specific field, the Internet is the way to go.
How to get started: use keywords in your search that relate to your field and the type of job you are looking for. It can seem like you are swimming in job posts if you don’t start to search specifically for what you want.
Different Ways to Find Work
1. You search the Internet, applying to specialized sites, looking for a permanent job or a suitable position that matches your skill set. If you are interested in temporary work, use a profile on freelancing sites like Elance (however, it’s tough to get started on sites like that and the pay isn’t very good).
2. Search in printed media. I know nearly everything is done online these days, but look in local papers, journals, magazines and more for jobs. Remember, some of the best jobs aren’t even listed. If you want to work somewhere, start pitching people for an informational interview and create a relationship with that company.
3. Submit your resume into a database on relevant sites. This method can also be time-consuming and less personal, but sometimes a recruiter will find you and give you a good offer. Remember to tailor your resume to each job — same goes for your cover letter. Each job is unique and deserves unique materials to look at. Trust me, it will help you stand out. You can even take language from the job description and use it in your cover letter. Companies are trying to find the best fit, so you want to show them that you are what they want.
4. Utilize your social network. This is so vital! You’d be surprised by how many jobs you can get from Facebook and Twitter. To go one level deeper, you can join specialized Facebook groups that post opportunities.
In the past few years, I’ve found nearly all my gigs and jobs online or through word of mouth. While it can be a lot of work to actually look for work, it’s worth it.
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10 comments
It’s all about who you know and constant hustle.
Yep!
I’ve found that the more opportunities I create for myself, the more jobs I get.
It’s awesome huh? Having work come to you is THE BEST feeling!
I completely agree – you have to look for work. I think that it’s something that has to be done almost as a habit (a little bit every day), versus looking for 8 hours over a weekend. Because it takes a lot of time and isn’t easy, I think people give up or settle.
Agreed! It’s easy to give up, but persistence is key.
The internet is a great resource, but I feel you just get lost in the shuffle when submitting applications online. I always like to leverage someone I know that works at a company I might be targeting. Having a personal reference will help distinguish you from the crowd.
Your personal network is the most important thing you have going for you! It really does make a difference!
I am actually searching for a way to retire, not find work.
I am not afraid of work, I can lay down and sleep right beside it…
Haha nice!