Preface:

              Welcome to Job Seeker Secrets 

Online job hunting and recruiting is a relatively new Internet revolution. Often cited as one of the best applications, or “killer apps,” of the Internet, e-recruiting’s growth and success near that of e-mail and e-commerce. By some estimates, over 50,000,000 people search for jobs through the Internet. Why? Because the Internet helps millions of people create, store, access, and exchange information in a way that no other medium can.

Let’s think about that number: There are 50,000,000 people using the Internet to search for jobs, at the same time you are. But they can’t all be searching for the job you want, right? True, but even factoring in geographic preferences, job types, and other such details, you’re probably still competing against thousands of people.

How can you hold your own against such fierce competition? Be at the right place at the right time (or in our case, have your resume seen by the company recruiter precisely when he or she is looking for someone exactly like you). There are millions of resumes in online databases, and tens of thousands are added every day. With this book, yours will be the resume the recruiters see and you will be the candidate they hire.

Embarking on a job search is like learning to fish: There are many places to go and many techniques to use to increase your success. With this book as your guide, you’ll be reeling in the jobs in no time!

o       Chapter 1: Before you map the course of your Internet job search, you’ll need to understand the scope of what you’re about to undertake, the resources at your disposal, and techniques that will ensure success. Chapter 1 is an important introduction to these issues and a general discussion about Internet job seekers and Internet recruiters.  A Guide to Essential Internet Terminology is included at the end of this chapter.

o       Chapter 2: The first step to catching a fish is determining which type of fish you want to catch. In Chapter 2, you’ll create a list of the types of jobs that best fit your interests and skills. This career target list will be the initial focus of your Internet job search.

o       Chapter 3: Next, you’ll need to work on your bait. In Chapter 3, you will learn how to fill your job-search “tackle box” with a variety of computer-friendly resumes and cover letters.

o       Chapter 4: The best bait in the world is useless if you don’t know how to fish. In Chapter 4, you’ll learn basic and advanced Internet searching techniques for finding online job postings and for searching within a variety of job boards and career Web sites.

o       Chapter 5: Some lakes stock more fish than others, and the more fish in the lake, the better your chances of catching one. In Chapter 5, you’ll discover the advantages and disadvantages of using job boards, including evaluating them and registering profiles and resumes.

o       Chapter 6: Often, the best way to catch a fish is to let someone with more experience do the work for you. In Chapter 6, you’ll discover proven strategies for going directly to corporate sites and third-party recruiters.

o       Chapter 7: The best anglers are experts about their local lakes. In Chapter 7, you’ll learn to target your Internet job search to your desired locations.

o       Chapter 8: Some lakes tend to house specific types of fish. In Chapter 8, you’ll discover strategies for using job sites geared to specific careers and diverse job seekers.

o       Chapter 9: It’s the rare angler who catches the best fish on the first try. In Chapter 9, you’ll discover how to keep the cupboard full and enhance your resume by finding online freelance jobs in your career field.

o       Chapter 10: Sometimes you don’t catch a fish on your first (or even second or third) try. When that happens, it’s time to reevaluate your bait and your techniques. You may even need the assistance of a fishing coach. In Chapter 10, I’ll offer tips for refining your Internet job search based on your results. I’ll also provide information about using professional career and resume services.

o       Web Site Directory: Knowing which lakes to fish can make the difference between an empty stringer and a full one. The helpful directory at the end of this book will save you countless hours of research by providing you with quick access to the best destinations.