As the job market continues to rapidly change, people are using the internet to search for career opportunities. But can the internet provide candidates with more than “Apply Now” links? Recently we came across a great article in the Chicago Tribune that shares some great tips on how job seekers can improve their chances at landing that perfect job. Using search engines such as Google to research everything from resume design to a company’s financial profile provides candidates with indispensable tools in their quest. Below are some tips to help get your resume on the top of the pile.
Background Check Potential Employers
Whether you want to work for a publicly traded company or a non-profit, you can use Google to investigate the financial status of many organizations. For stock prices and trends, use Google Finance to see and compare stock prices. Many companies post their annual reports on their websites, so accessing that information is as easy as searching for it.
Revamp your Resume
You have a list of contacts to send your resume to, but you’re wondering if it may need some touching up before you move forward. Inspiration is only a few clicks away. By using Google’s “Image Search,” you can easily peruse resume designs for ideas. Focus in on your area of expertise (you probably wouldn’t want to use a graphic artist’s resume design if you’re looking for work as an assistant). A tip for keeping it safe: Change your Google Image “SafeSearch” setting to “strict” to avoid accidentally stumbling on inappropriate content. This feature is under advanced settings.
Don’t Trust (Only) The Monster
While job hunting sites like Monster.com are a great place to begin, don’t limit your search to them. If there is a particular company piquing your interest, go to Google and type in the company name plus “career” or “employment” to be taken to their job opportunities.
Ask for Help
YouTube has channels chalk-full of career advice. You can learn more about looking for jobs in specific industries as well as best practices for preparing for interviews. And when you need a break from the information overload, you can always find those cute kitten videos for relief.
Know Your Interviewer
If you know the name of the person who will be interviewing you, a little online stalking won’t hurt. A quick search should reveal his or her blog (if they have one), their previous employment history (via sites like LinkedIn), any videos of presentations or awards they have received. Knowing a bit about the person who’s asking you the questions can provide an edge over the competition. Just make sure to keep it professional and not personal. Commenting on photos you found on Facebook of their family vacation will probably end an interview fast.
Find Your Way
Once you’re invited to be interviewed, use Google Maps to plot the best way to arrive at the company’s location. You can even use the “Search Nearby” feature to locate the closest café so you can be properly caffeinated before your interview, or to send a thank you note with a gift card to a nearby restaurant to the person who interviewed you.
As always, the internet is an invaluable tool and provides us with ways to improve on our careers and potential opportunities. However, don’t get pulled too far into the vortex. Hard work, relationships, networking and simply picking up the phone to say thank you can go a long way as you scope out what the future holds.