Evolutionary Job Search - Survival of the Fittest - CareerAlley

Evolutionary Job Search - Survival of the Fittest - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. If youve been working for 10 or more years, no doubt youve seen the dramatic change in the approach to job search. It wasnt all that long ago when looking for a job meant researching companies at the library (remember those?), printing and mailing resumes, filling out applications at company HR departments, calling your contacts, and going door to door to visit recruiters. While we still do some of these things in our job search (except for the library bit), the primary method for job search has become the Internet. But even Internet job search has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. Using job search sites (like Monster.com and HotJobs.com) was the first method of Internet job search, but this quickly evolved to dynamic job search boards (like SimplyHired and Indeed.com), online company job sites, automated email job match notifications and, of course, online networking (namely, LinkedIn). Of course the human aspect still exists (in the form of interviews), but you must first clear the many online hurdles before the interview process begins. Likewise, the method of accessing the Internet has changed over the last 5 years from hardwired desktops to wireless laptops and finally our smartphones. If you are 20 something, none of this is news or a big deal; it is just the way things are done. However, if you are over 30 (yes, the infamous over 30 crowd), youve had to adjust your job search methods to the new normal. But if youve been happily employed at the same company for the last 10 year s (or more) and now must look for a new job, the challenge can be daunting. Darwins survival of the fittest certainly applies to job search. Credentials and experience are obviously important, but if you dont have the right tools, the likelihood of success decreases dramatically. Internet Job Search Tools of the Trade: The Internet Unless you live in the Outback or on some desert island, I am sure you have access (so that is the good news). The challenge is that you need several ways to connect to the Internet: Broadband The term is generally used to describe high speed/bandwidth access to the Internet. This is typically your cable connection at home or work (hardwired or wireless). This is most likely your primary means of accessing the Internet and where most of your offline (resumes, etc.) and online job search activities will occur. If you are still using DSL (or by some freak of nature, dial-up), its time to consider upgrading your Internet access. Comparison sites such as Broadband Genie often include useful buyers guides explaining the best deals. Mobile This term refers to your smartphone (3G, 4G, LTE or WiFi). Your smartphone or tablet is generally your secondary means of accessing the Internet. Speed/bandwidth are generally slower (unless on WiFi) and ease of use (typing thank you letters, updating your resume, emailing your resume, responding to job openings, etc.) can be challenging (but can be done!). However, a smartphone/connected tablet will increase your chances of landing your dream job (so if you dont have one, you should consider getting one) and there are many alternatives for reasonable data plans. Equipment, Software and Applications Resumes Regardless of whether you are a PC or Mac fan, MS Word is very much the standard for submission. Versions of the software exist for both platforms (there is a cost depending on the package). If you dont want to spend the money, there are free alternatives. Two alternatives: Google Docs OpenOffice Desktop / Laptop Your primary job search toolkit factory and your primary access to the Internet. There are some basic, reasonably priced PCs for those who are on a tight budget. Email It is a good practice to have an email address that is used primarily for job search. Pick a user name that includes some or all of your name (or a user name that will not embarrass you!). Free email accounts are available via Googles gmail, Yahoo! Mail or HotMail. Smartphone There are countless alternatives in the smartphone market. Android phones or Apples IOS iPhone are the most popular phones and deals can be found for inexpensive smartphones with your carrier. Whatever your preference, a data plan is a necessity to ensure road warrior during your job search. Smartphone Applications The list of available smartphone apps to help with your job search is too long to list here. Checkout the following articles: 300+ Android Job Search Apps Top 25 Must-Have iPhone Apps for Your Job Search 5 Ways to Leverage the Internet in Your Job Search About the author Joe Linford writes for Broadband Genie, the online comparison site for the best broadband deals. This is a Guest post. Good luck in your search. We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey what where job title, keywords or company city, state or zip jobs by