JobSeekerSecrets.com is an online resource that is being created from the research, development, creation and future updates of the textbook & course Job Seeker Secrets (Oct. 2002 Thomson-SouthWestern). All individuals, students, teachers, instructors and professors who have purchased the book receive free access to all areas of JobSeekerSecrets.com

This site provides its members with both a free service and an optional paid subscription service:

• Free access to job search/career content, newsletters, top ranked resources, message boards etc.
• Paid access to the book's content including the text content, the workbook exercises as well as the job board reviews and Large Job Board/job search directory.

Preface

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 almost ranks with e-mail and e-commerce for growth and success. It is estimated that job hunting through the Internet is performed by over 50,000,000 people every month. Why? Because the Internet has created an inexpensive way for millions of people to create, store, access, and exchange information that cannot be matched by any other medium.

Let's think about that massive number. That's 50,000,000 people who are all currently using the Internet to search for jobs, at the same time you are. Granted, that number can be reduced by geographic preferences, job types, and other job specific details. Nonetheless, right now there are probably thousands of people that are searching for online job postings in your career field. Some may be more qualified than you, and some may be less qualified, but as we all know it is not always the most qualified person who gets the job.

There is a lot to be said for being at the right place at the right time, or in our case, being seen by the company recruiter precisely when he or she is looking for someone exactly like you. There are millions of resumes in online resume databases, and tens of thousands are added every day. This book will give you the edge you need to stand out in that type of competition.

Embarking on a job search is like learning to fish—there are many places you can go and many techniques that you can use to increase your success. Before you begin to map the course of your Internet job search, you'll need to understand the scope of what is in front of you, the resources at your disposal, and techniques that will ensure success. In Chapter 1, I will cover these points in a general discussion about Internet job seekers and Internet recruiters. Before you start fishing, you'll need to determine what type of fish you want to catch! In Chapter 2, I'll help you identify a career target list-the type(s) of job(s) that best fit your interests and skills. This career target list will be the initial focus of your Internet job search.

When you know what type of fish you want to catch, you'll need to work on your tackle box. In chapter 3, I will help you fill your job-search tackle box with computer-friendly resumes and cover letters that can be used in any situation. Once you've identified the fish you want to catch and have filled your tackle box with the appropriate selection of bait, you'll need to develop skills for finding the 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 and career Web sites.

Some lakes tend to produce more fish than others, and some lakes provide a receptacle of specific kinds of fish. In Chapter 5, you'll discover the advantages and disadvantages of using job boards, including methods for evaluating job boards and registering profiles and resumes. In Chapter 6, you'll discover proven strategies for going directly to corporate sites and third-party recruiters. The best fishermen are experts about their local lakes. In Chapter 7, you'll learn to target your Internet job search to your desired locations. In Chapter 8, you'll discover strategies for using job sites geared to career-specific organizations and diverse groups.

A rare fisherman gets lucky and 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. 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. Knowing which lakes to fish can make the difference between an empty stringer and a full one. The directory of job boards at the end of this book will save you countless hours and days of research by providing you with quick access to the best destinations.

Through the lessons and activities in this book, I'll teach you how Internet job sites work, explain the logic behind them, and show how to use this knowledge to create an advantage for yourself. I will offer proven techniques for every kind of Internet job seeker-senior executives, new grads, "techies," and Internet novices. I will provide tips for both active and passive job seekers, and present you with multiple resources that will aid your quest for that new career opportunity. Come along, let's get started! I am as excited as you are about the opportunities I can help you generate for yourself.

About the Author