In today’s digital world, there are thousands of different job posting websites, some that are more credible and user friendly than others. It is important to be selective about which ones you use. Large, comprehensive search engines (Indeed, Google, Glassdoor, LinkedIn), job boards specific to your industry (NursingJobs.com, HealthECareers, Dice.com, Idealist.com, etc), or company specific career pages are a great place to start.
When searching for jobs online:
- Be on the lookout for suspicious jobs. Above all, protect your personal information. Be careful if you see job listings promising quick and easy income, or requiring a fee or your social security number in order to apply - they’re likely to be scams.
- Refine Your Search. To find the most relevant jobs:
- Use Keywords that you’d expect to find in a job posting.
- Specify your preferred location. Most sites allow you to filter by state, zip code, or even remote/work from home positions.
- Most sites also have advanced filters to help you narrow results by job title, salary, or job level.
- Set up Email Job Alerts. Most job sites allow you to save your job searches to receive email job alerts including new jobs matching your criteria. This will help you apply for jobs as soon as they are posted, and will help you save time in the search process.
- Keep it Focused:
- Only apply to jobs you are qualified for.
- Apply for a few jobs at a time rather than 100 in a day.
- Don’t apply to the same job on multiple websites. Employers only need to receive your application once.
When filling out an online application:
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Pay attention to all details within the application. Be sure to read all instructions and questions carefully. Answer what is asked, and fill out all required fields.
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Make sure your application is complete, and tells your story. Fill out work history sections with detail. Include job titles, dates, and duties for each position. See our resume writing section for details on how to draft information on each role. Alway upload a resume if you have one.
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Review your application before hitting submit. Double check all sections to make sure your information is correct, and that you have used correct spelling and grammar in all fields.
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Be Careful With Mobile Applications. Most companies allow applications from mobile devices, and have even optimized their application for just such purposes. However, if using a mobile device, make sure your connection is strong so that you don't lose application progress. Don't move too quickly and double check all fields. It is very easy to enter something incorrectly when using a mobile screen.