As effective as the Internet is at bridging gaps between people and information, it nonetheless offers very few certainties when it comes to finding a job.
At the same time, the Internet is a tool that simply cannot be ignored for anyone who wants to succeed in his or her chosen career.
In order to help you navigate the various intricacies of an Internet job search, here are some important things to remember.
Social Media Isn’t Always Your Friend
It has become a standard practice in today’s job market for employers to look at a potential employee’s social media presence to determine if the candidate is the right fit for the job.
If your Facebook page or Twitter feed is flooded with intimate, racy or potentially embarrassing details of your personal life, there’s a good chance it could reflect poorly on you. A good rule of thumb is to assume that everything you put online – including photos – is being seen by your boss, which probably isn’t too far from the actual truth.
Undisclosed Location
Some experts assure job seekers that it’s now considered acceptable to not include your full address on a resume. After all, we live in an age of telecommuting – growing connectivity has made physical distance less relevant in many aspects of life, including work. Another argument against disclosing your home address in an online resume or on a social network is the security factor since certain criminals are known to use this type of information in targeting potential victims.
Beware of Internet Scams
At first glance, this seems pretty obvious. After all, everyone knows that phishing attempts and other scams are all over the Internet. Unfortunately, some people may let their guard down out of their desperation to get a job.
Some of the common online job scams promise to provide details on “commuting from home” for a one-time or monthly fee. In some cases, job scams will involve asking for Social Security numbers. Always be cautious about providing information to get the chance at applying for what seems like a dream job.
The Internet is Everything
While the initial intricacies of a digital job hunt might scare off some from using the Internet at all, it’s important to remember that job searches simply aren’t the same as they used to be. Many employers don’t even allow people to apply directly anymore, and much of the initial application process now occurs online.
Make an Online Impression
When searching for a job online, remember that organization is key. Organize your findings from various employment searches and take some time to polish your resume before sending it out. In the digital age, your online presence is your first impression on potential employers. With a little perseverance and some luck, that dream job you’ve been waiting for will reveal itself.
Penn Renner got his first computer when he was 13 and has been a self-proclaimed tech nerd ever since. When he is not busy toying with his many gadgets he is a freelance writer. pennwrites@gmail.com
