| Use the Web to Enhance Your Career |
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The Internet has fast become a part of daily life for most Americans. From e-mail to message boards, the Web allows us to communicate as never before. And millions are using it to find new careers as well. You can research occupations and find out about industry growth and decline.
You can reach deep into your local area as well as take your job search far beyond your geographical boundaries. Although the amount of information on the Web can be overwhelming, executing an effective Web-based job search can be easy and straightforward. Pamela Piliero, a coordinator in the Career Services Department at the University of Tennessee, gives the following suggestions to best use the Web in a job search. |
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| General Search Tips |
| The term "search engine" is often used generically to describe both true search engines and directories. When used correctly, these tools are extremely useful in pointing you to helpful sites. Different search engines work in different ways, so for best results stay with one or two main search engines and learn how they work. |
| You should have a clear idea of what type of jobs you want and what you are qualified to do. Before you begin, make a list of keywords you can use in your search criteria. Identify general occupations, not just job titles. When you look through descriptions, note the skills employers are seeking and use these words in your search. |
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| Researching Career Fields |
| You don't want to waste time sifting through jobs you don't want or jobs for which you are not qualified. On many job search sites, you can explore career and industry information, job profiles from people employed in your field and company information. Many sites allow you to search companies by industry, or if you are interested in a particular company, you can search alphabetically. |
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| Resumes |
| In today's high-tech resume processing environment it is important all candidates have resumes in an electronic format that can be submitted via the Internet. Be prepared for anything an employer requests. For instance, some employers might ask for a resume created in a Word document, while others will have you fill out an online application. |
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| After the Search: Writing Matters |
| Even if your strategy is sound and your technique thorough, the Web won't work by itself. It's still important to network and make contacts in person. By using the Web adeptly, you can make your search more effective and increase your chances for success. |
| From distributing company newsletters to providing instant customer service, e-mail has allowed the business world to instantly communicate important information to accomplish a wide variety of tasks. Most employees have the liberty to communicate via e-mail, but unfortunately many have not been trained in its proper use. Couple this with poor communication skills and you and your employer could be getting a bad reputation due to poor e-mail practices. |
| Your writing is a reflection of you and your communication skills. You never know when a client, customer or employee will judge your business or service based upon these skills. Remember these etiquette guidelines when composing e-mails for business use: |
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| Assess your audience |
| • Do not be overly casual because you risk being disrespectful. |
| • Personalize the e-mail message. Use a salutation, and close the e-mail with your signature. |
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| Grammar Tips |
| • Punctuate correctly. Rules of capitalization, comma usage and other punctuation marks apply. |
| • Pay careful attention to spelling. Use spell-check before sending each e-mail, but remember to read through it as well. |
| • Forget the purple electronic stationery, green ink, clip art and smiley faces. (ARA) |
