Job Assistance
How to Use the Internet to Look for Jobs
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Connect directly to a live job coach. This comprehensive online chat resource helps you review your resume and cover letters and practice your interviewing skills online. Many more resources as well! |
The Internet has become THE place to look and apply for jobs. Remember, however, that the Internet is not the only place where jobs are advertised. Newspapers, trade journals and company listings often offer positions that may not be found on the Internet. The bottom line is that in a job search one must look EVERYWHERE!
- Check the websites of individual companies
- Check industry sites
- Check profession-specific sites
- Cold calls-Jobs may not be advertised
- Job Fairs (dress appropriately)
Networking
Always the first way to start the job search. This means talking, emailing and contacting by whatever means possible everyone you know that you are available and looking for a job.
Resumes
The big two job search sites, CareerBuilder and Monster, include resume help and samples on their websites. Microsoft Word includes resume templates. Your best bet is to borrow a resume book from the library and create your own. Always include a cover letter with your resume even when submitting online.
Save your resume in at least two forms.
Save as .txt You will be able to paste this online. (sometimes known as the ascii resume)
Save as .doc For print versions of your resume. This version might be more elaborate.
VERY IMPORTANT!
.doc is the standard file type of Microsoft Word-all versions up to 2003. In Word 2007 the default standard is .docx. This has the potential to cause problems. If you are using Word 2007 be sure to save as .doc. Then everyone you send your document to will be able to open it.
Online job applications and communications
Create a new email address for your job search correspondence. Use your first initial last name (janesmith@gmail.com) if possible. Cute email addresses (pinkshoes@gmail.com) will not be helpful in a job search.
Avoid applying online. Deliver your resume in person or snail mail your resume to the company. Online applications can easily be lost. Email is easily purged and oftentimes items with attachments (your resume) do not survive company filtering systems.
A print version of your resume has a better chance of being examined.
Companies often demand that you apply online or send them via email your resume. If you must email your resume be sure to email a copy to yourself. This is very important. If something is wrong with your attachment you will find out and be able to make a correction. You will also want to include a cover letter.
Print a copy for your records of any online job applications that you submit.
Free! Testing and Education Research Center
Access from the Internet Resources page of the Library website. (You will need your Wethersfield Library card.)
http://www.wethersfieldlibrary.org/searchforinfo/databases.html
Online help with resumes, cover letters and “how to” conduct job searches
Job & Career Connection
http://www1.ctdol.state.ct.us/jcc/
The Riley Guide
Resume-help.org
http://www.resume-help.org/free_resume_examples.htm
FreeResumeSamples
http://www.freeresumesamples.org/
Good places to start your search
Local:
Connecticut Career Fairs
http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/jobfairs/default.htm
Connecticut Department of Labor
CTJob central
CTJobs.com
CT Job Search Toolkit
http://ctjobsearchtoolkit.wordpress.com/2009/10/22/connecticut-job-search-toolkit/
Hartford County Jobs
http://hartfordcountyjobs.com/
Indeed (one search-all jobs)
New Haven County Jobs
http://newhavencountyjobs.com/
Resources for JobSeekers
http://www.senatedems.ct.gov/jobs09.html
National:
America’s Job Exchange
http://www.americasjobexchange.com/
careerbuilder.com
careeronestop
Indeed (one search-all jobs)
job-hunt
Monster
job-hunt
Yahoo! hotjobs
Government websites.
CT.gov-State employment office
http://www.das.state.ct.us/exam/
USAJobs-Federal Government
