Job-Hunting Online: Make Your Efforts Count

Tips for a more successful job search.

Here are some tips to make your online job search more successful. These suggestions come from Daryl Hulme, vice president of human resources for HotJobs.com, and career communications expert Barbara Nixon.

• Stay fast -- respond to job postings in a timely manner. Employers are making their hiring decisions a lot faster these days.
  
  
• Use the application process, as opposed to the interview, as your first step in the door -- and make it count.
  
  
• Follow online instructions and employer requirements carefully.
  
  
• Include words on your resume that will enhance your chances of being identified by recruiters conducting online searches. Make sure you spell them correctly; job search programs won't pick up misspelled keywords.
  
  
• Demonstrate through your resume that there is a candidate-job match. Clearly communicate your skills and qualifications as they relate to the job profile.
  
  
• Be specific about your career history.
  
  
• Consider organizational culture fit. If you prefer a structured and predictable environment and the employer needs someone who can operate with flexibility and in an ambiguous environment, the fit might not be there.
  
  
• Demonstrate professionalism -- err on the formal side. You only have one chance to make a first impression.
  
  
• Avoid the deadly dozen resume mistakes (height, weight, health, gender, marital status, number of children, religion, ethnic origin, date of birth, reasons for leaving previous positions, photos, and salary history)