In recent years, the internet has opened the door to many students who are now able to study online and go on to earn their chosen degree. In a similar way, the internet and online job hunting has transformed the way graduates look for jobs, making their searches quicker, easier and a lot wider.
If you want to make a success of online job hunting, you should be aware that there is an art to looking for work. Here are some tips on making the most out of your job search.
Think Outside The Box
Opportunities can pop up in the least expected of places. If you’re not finding the appropriate vacancy for you, try browsing related categories and searching by alternative job titles, or consider widening the geographical area of your search.
Put Yourself Out There
Business networking sites such as LinkedIn are very popular amongst job seekers who are looking to promote their skills. These sites allow you to develop relationships which can lead to finding unadvertised vacancies. A little bit of self-promotion can go a long way.
Don’t Spam Employers
Online applications are quick and easy. You may find several vacancies and apply for them all on the same day but it’s better to be selective with the companies you send your CV to. Employers look for applications that link your skills and abilities to the requirements of the job. It’s better to think quality rather than quantity.
Compile Your Application Offline
Online applications and registration forms differ on every site so it’s always better to draft your application offline. In this way you can not only spell check your text but saving an offline copy also means you are less at risk from the internet crashes or your details not being saved correctly.
Don’t Become Invisible
Applying online may sometimes feel like you’re sending your details into a black hole. Don’t be afraid to contact a recruiter by phone or email to check if they have received your CV or application form.
Check Your Alerts
If the alerts you sign up to don’t deliver the vacancies you want, modify your search criteria. Unwanted job alerts can clog up your inbox and you risk overlooking any that could be useful. Hence, it is best to ensure that you specify your requirements as accurately as possible. If you have signed up to alerts and they are not coming through, ensure that you check your junk mail folder as your mail provider might be treating them as spam.
Online job hunting has proved to be an extremely useful tool for graduates looking to find suitable job openings. It is of course worth remembering that traditional methods of job seeking, such as newspapers, trade journals and networking can also be effective but with more and more vacancies being posted online, the higher the chances you will have of finding your ideal job in this way.
Check out http://www.africajobs.org/ for the latest job opportunities in Africa.
