It’s important that your profile be 100% complete. Spend some time filling out all of the website questionnaires and uploading any professional documents that you have available. Every time that you make a major update to your resume, go ahead and upload the new document to your page. As you see who is viewing your LinkedIn page, don’t be afraid to reach out to them for advice or assistance. This is how many online connections are made. ZoomInfo is another site that can be beneficial for an online job search. If you create an account, it will give you access to updated contact information for companies.

If you don’t pull up at all on search engines, this can also be a problem. Keep monitoring these searches as you add your resume to job search sites.

You might even consider starting your own blog or creating your own website. This will allow you to shape what information shows up in search results about you. Keep the information focused on your professional life and use it as an opportunity to reach out to others in your field.

For example, it’s probably too broad to say that you are interested in “sales. ” Start to target your search by asking yourself what type of sales you enjoy, what kind of sales environment do you want, and what are your pay requirements. Once you narrow your search, start to develop a list of keyword terms that you can enter into job search databases. For example, instead of “sales” you might put “auto sales. ”

Many of these larger sites will also let you post your resume online for employers to look at. If this is an option, go ahead and do so. It’s also a good idea to agree to have the site email you a notice whenever a job in a certain category is posted.

For example, you might write, “As you all know, I resigned my position at the MTC, Inc. about a week ago. I’m now in the process of looking for a job in print marketing. I’d love to stay in the Denver area, if possible. Please let me know if you can think of any good contacts or leads for me to pursue. Thank you!” Don’t be shy about sharing your job search on social media. Most people have been in a similar position and will understand your motives. You can also share photos showing you “in action” in a workplace environment. If you are a teacher, for example, you might post photos of you working with students or standing at the front of your former classroom. However, some people prefer to keep Facebook and Instagram just for personal, not professional, use and that is a fine option as well.

For example, the American Historical Association (AHA) posts a job board on their website that lists new jobs with brief descriptions and contact information. Other organizations, like Playbill, offer a more informal listing of job opportunities. [9] X Research source

It’s also helpful if you tailor your resume to any particular job ads that catch your interest. For example, if you the job ad states that they are looking for an “experienced technician,” then you can use these exact words in your job description, too. Make sure that your contact information, your email in particular, is professional. Most employers are not looking to hire “funnyface19. ”

When you ask for information about your application status, make sure to include your full name, reference number (if any), and the date of your original submission. It’s important to adhere to any specific instructions that a potential employer gives you regarding following up on your application. For example, some employers request that you don’t reach out at all. Others may ask you to wait until a certain amount of time has passed.

When you ask for information about your application status, make sure to include your full name, reference number (if any), and the date of your original submission. It’s important to adhere to any specific instructions that a potential employer gives you regarding following up on your application. For example, some employers request that you don’t reach out at all. Others may ask you to wait until a certain amount of time has passed.

As a general rule, if a job ad strikes you as too good to be true, make sure to think about it carefully before applying.