Do’s and Don’ts of an Online Job Search

Searching for jobs online can be convenient and efficient if done correctly or frustrating and time-consuming if done incorrectly. While you may see thousands of job listings right at your fingertips, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and waste opportunities if you’re applying carelessly or using standard website settings. Adjusting to this new job-search process may seem confusing, but it isn’t impossible.

The job search has changed from printed résumés and pounding the pavement to online job boards and one-click applications. Here are some do’s and don’ts for job-searching online.

 

Do take advantage of narrowing search results While you may want to find a job in sales, you may not be interested in scrolling through 100,000-plus search results. To avoid this headache, use advanced searches and narrow down search results. Most sites allow you to receive more specific results using certain criteria, such as:

  • Job-posted date
  • Company
  • City or state
  • Categories for a specific functional area such as “management” or “entry level”
  • Salary
  • Employment type, for specific jobs by schedule, such as “intern,” “full-time” or “part-time”
  • Exclude: This is where you can remove jobs that have been posted nationally or regionally, jobs without salary information included or any nontraditional jobs.

Don’t use one résumé for every job application No two jobs or companies are alike, and your work experience will apply differently to each role. It’s essential to customize your résumé according to each industry or job for which you’re applying.

While this step helps demonstrate that you’d be a great fit for the job, it’s also important because most online job applications are screened by an applicant tracking system, which searches for words or phrases in your résumé that match the job description. While this may sound bizarre or unfair, it helps manage the large volume of applications that hiring managers receive.

Do know the importance of résumé keywords As mentioned above, applicant tracking systems usually screen for keywords pulled from the job listing. For example, an administrative assistant’s job description may include “answer and route all incoming calls to internal staff” or “provide clerical and data-entry support to internal staff.” Not only should you possess these skills, but they should be included in the skills and work-experience sections of your résumé.

Don’t always expect to hear back After you’ve customized your résumés and applied to jobs that met your specific search results, you should be proud of yourself for making progress. However, don’t get your hopes up that you’ll hear back from a company the next day, week or even month. Realistically, you won’t hear back from most employers.

This is a part of the modern-day job search and is not a personal insult. Most companies receive too many applications to respond individually to each job seeker. If you don’t hear back, it’s likely because your application didn’t get picked up by the tracking system or you were passed up for somebody more qualified.

As you continue to apply for more jobs and become more accustomed to the online job search, you’ll discover your own do’s and don’ts. Online job searching is meant to be efficient for both the job seeker and the hiring manager and can lead to a great job if you focus your efforts.

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Duke Witte absolutely was amazing! 

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to Duke Witte for his assistance in finding me a new job in the hospitality industry. I was disgruntled with my previous job, and I was feeling very discouraged about my prospects. I had been working in the restaurant industry for many years, and I had a lot of experience and skills, but I was having a hard time finding a better opportunity.

I was contacted via LinkedIn by Duke, and thank goodness I was.  Mr. Witte was incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the entire process. He took the time to understand my skills and experience, and worked tirelessly to find me a job that was a good fit.

Duke was also very honest and upfront with me about the job market. He didn't sugarcoat things, but also didn't give up on me. He kept me motivated and encouraged, and never gave up on finding me a job that I would love.

I am so grateful to Duke Witte and his team for their help. I am now happily employed, and I am so happy that I was able to find a job that I love. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a job in the restaurant industry. He is a true professional, and is dedicated to helping his clients find the perfect job!

Thank you again for everything!

Nick Grubbs

Working with Chris Bovio made job searching so much easier! 

Not only was he available and involved in my search, but also knowledgeable regarding the position. Chris used his industry experience and recruiting network to find the best position for me and my skill set. My only regret is that my new job is so perfect for me that I won’t need to use Chris or Patrice & Associates later.

Thanks,

Nick Guarino

Michael Greig was absolutely fantastic in every way! 

He gave me options and suggestions & eventually found a great for me. Communication was easy and he went above & beyond. Also, he seems like an all around good dude. Thanks again Michael. Solid work out there. You’re hired :)

Nic Callahan

Bryan Curtis was fantastic to work with!

Bryan was very on top of things throughout my recruiting process to the engineering firm I accepted my position with.  I responded to his LinkedIn posting and heard back from him within 24 hours. He continually spoke with me throughout the process checking in regularly and answering all my questions. Bryan was instrumental in helping me find a great job.

Thanks!

Austin

Frank Rondeau was a really big help! 

When it came to helping me find my new job, he knocked it out of the park!  He was very honest and thorough throughout the entire process. We had multiple conversations along the way and he always checked in after interviews. Frank was amazing to work with, and I'm super excited to start my new journey thanks to him.       

Many Thanks,

Chyanne

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