Job Searching on the Internet

The Internet and WWW offer resources which supplement, not replace, traditional job search strategies

Still need skills in writing resumes, cover letters, and interviewing?

As in a traditional job search, don't limit yourself to using the Internet and WWW for finding only postings of advertised job vacancies. Use the resources available on the Internet and WWW for "prospecting" in the hidden job market. Identify potential employers and get your resume in front of people who are in the position 1.)to know about positions which may be available in the near future or 2.)can refer to other people within their company or other companies who may have openings.

With this in mind, the Internet and WWW provide access to three important sources of Information:

Internet Resources for Networking Opportunities

Identify Usenet Newsgroups and Mailing Lists which discuss the field or discipline are interested in investigating.

Usenet Newsgroups

The world's largest system of bulletin boards carrying thousands of newsgroups discussing all kinds of topics from the most scientific to the most fantastic. Examples of Usenet newsgroups that might have heard of include wpi.students and ne.jobs.

Identifying Usenet Newsgroups

Find out what Usenet Newsgroups are related to careers are pursuing!

Locate relevant newsgroups

It is recommended that monitor the chosen newsgroups, following the discussions and looking for information on the field or discipline. Don't participate in the discussions unless have something definite to contribute.

Mailing Lists

Like Usenet there are thousands of lists discussing all kinds of topics from the most scientific to the most fantastic. The biggest difference is these operate through electronic mail. To get access to a mailing list's messages, must subscribe to the mailing list and then all messages sent to the list by any subscriber will automatically be forwarded to your email account.

Identifying Mailing Lists

General Subscription Instructions

listserv@host.domain
subject: leave this blank
mail message: subscribe listname yourfirstname yourlastname

Locate relevant mailing lists

No one resource includes all of the Internet mailing lists. Here is a good resource for locating relevant lists:

PAML, Publically-Accessible Mailing Lists (http://www.paml.net)

Again it is recommended that monitor the chosen newsgroups, following the discussions and look for information on the field or discipline rather than participating in the discussions.

Making Contacting With the Participants

Once have identified some mailing list or newsgroup participants want to contact, prepare your email letter as carefully as do your standard mail letter. Be especially polite, thanking them immediately for taking their help.

Be sure to contact the people personally and not through the list or newsgroup. Do not post a general message to the list or newsgroup asking if anyone is willing to talk to.

Be concise, identify yourself, state why are contacting this person, list some of your interests and where noticed some correlation with their postings.

Request a follow-up to this email, via phone or email. Give your contact the choice of how to continue.

Places to Look on the Web

Associations

There are associations for every conceivable industry or profession. Many have their own web site and sometimes offer not only information but job postings. One place to look is:

Scholarly Societies Project, University of Waterloo
http://www.lib.uwaterloo.ca/society/overview.html

Employers

Use search engines to find information on industries and / or specific employers. Many employers advertise their current openings on the web; can even submit your resume directly to their web site.

AltaVista
http://www.altavista.digital.com/

Educational Institutions
WPI Career Development Center
http://www.wpi.edu/Admin/CDC/index.html/ Includes guides to resume writing, interviewing, etc., links to company websites, and links to other relevant websites.
The Riley Guide
http://www.dbm.com/jobguide/
The creator of this guide is considered the "grandmother of job searching on the web."

Government Resources
Library of Congress
http://lcweb.loc.gov/

Job Postings

New resources are being added almost daily for finding actual job postings. Many allow to post your resume for employers to search. Listed are just a few of the many sites worth checking out.

Monster.com
The largest and most targeted job search engine on the web that allows up to five personal search agents to track jobs that match your preferences.
MonsterTRAK.com
http://www.monstertrak.com/
MonsterTRAK is part of the leading global online network for careers and is dedicated to college students
Career Builder
http://www.careerpath.com/
This site contains the Sunday Help Wanted section from 23 newspapers in 21 major cities. And the list keeps growing!!
Campus Career Center (CCC)
http://www.campuscareercenter.com/
A web site resource for students to match their skills and interests with companies recruiting in that area. Top companies are utilizing the global campus recruiting service for available job and internship opportunities that span the globe. Also available are resources and an online chat cafe
WetFeet
http://www.wetfeet.com/
WetFeet Network provides information on companies, careers and industries that job seekers use throughout their careers to make smarter career decisions. WetFeet also offers job seekers expert advice, newsletters, salary benchmarking tools, and discussion boards on everything from negotiating a raise to writing better cover letters. WetFeet also operates the largest internship community at www.internships.wetfeet.com
Massachusetts' JOBBANK
http://www.ajb.org/ma/
Part of America's JOBBANK, which is the busiest job market in cyberspace.

In Conclusion

What are similarities between "on line" and traditional job search?

Networking still a very effective tool but on line can use:

Gathering information and doing research still critical via on line:

What are differences between on line and traditional job search?

The Internet does not eliminate the need for:

To further explore job searching on the Internet:

Check out the resources identified, surf the Web and Internet to find additional resources or make an appointment with staff member of Career Development Center if want additional assistance.

Maintained by webmaster@wpi.edu
Last modified: November 30, 2006 14:55:29