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• 1. Self Assessment
• 2. Research
• 3. Decision-Making
• 4. Networks & Contacts
  • 4.1 Work Search
    • 4.1.1 Traditional Methods of Finding Openings
    • 4.1.2 Internet Sites Listing Job Advertisements
    • 4.1.3 Creative Methods for Finding Work
    • 4.1.4 Researching Employers
    • 4.1.5 Networking, Developing Leads and Making Contacts
    • 4.1.6 Networking Contacts
    • 4.1.7 Networking Diagrams
    • 4.1.8 Create a Job Seeker's Calling Card
  • 4.2 Resumes
    • 4.2.1 Preparing to Write Your Resume
    • 4.2.2 Major Sections of a Resume
    • 4.2.3 Types of Resumes
    • 4.2.4 Functional Resume
    • 4.2.5 Additional Resume Tips
    • 4.2.6 Action Verbs that Describe Skills
    • 4.2.7 Preparing an Electronic Version of Your Resume
    • 4.2.8 Resume Templates
    • 4.2.9 Resources on Resume Writing
  • 4.3 Letters
    • 4.3.1 Cover and Broadcast Letters
    • 4.3.2 Comparison of Cover and Broadcast Letters
    • 4.3.3 A Process to Develop Letters
    • 4.3.4 Creating Thank You Letters
    • 4.3.5 Sample Letter Format
    • 4.3.6 Resources on Letter Writing
  • 4.4 Interviews
    • 4.4.1 The Core of the Interview Process
    • 4.4.2 Selling Your Benefits
    • 4.4.3 Understanding Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication
    • 4.4.4 Approaches to Interviewing
    • 4.4.5 The Employer's Evaluation
    • 4.4.6 Tips for Effective Interviewing
    • 4.4.7 Your Rights in the Interview
    • 4.4.8 Resources on Interviewing
• 5. Work
• 6. Life/Work Planning

Step 4.1.2: Internet Sites Listing Job Advertisements

Both profit and non-profit organizations are using the Internet to hire because of the low cost compared to newspaper advertising. An employment or career opportunities section on the company’s own web pages allows information to be viewed 7 days per week and 24 hours a day. The Internet broadens its search to include individuals worldwide and makes it easy for candidates to apply through email. Changes to the advertisements can be made quickly whenever necessary. Some companies are including bonus information such as how to get ready for and submit an application, as well as how to prepare for a job interview.

In addition to regular job fairs where employers meet candidates in person, virtual job fairs are becoming popular with employers as a means to recruit new employees. A fair can be organized by a company on its own behalf, or by a company for several organizations. You can find out about these through the web site listings below.

You may find it helpful to review large multi-purpose sites and bookmark your favourites. They offer any combination of: job listings, resume databases, discussion groups, career planning information, industry updates, and links to other sites of interest. Since job titles in electronic advertisements (as in non-electronic ads) may not reflect the job content, look at a wide variety of positions. As you are reading through the job descriptions, pay special attention to the most important qualifications mentioned. These are the key words you will need to include in your resume.

Larger newspapers also provide web pages that include the postings advertised in the hardcopy version. A number of recruitment firms have web pages listing jobs they receive. There are also companies that are in the business of matching jobs received from employers with resumes received from people looking for positions.

In fact, there are so many databases where you can submit your resume that you will need to do some careful screening in order to get the level of service you want. Is there a fee to put your resume on file? It is usually preferable to have the employer pay rather than the individual seeking work. When a position is received, the computer sorts through your resume information. Because the computer uses key words to search for candidates, you will need to have the appropriate qualifications presented in an easily identifiable format. (More detailed information on preparing an electronic version of your resume is in the Resume Writing section of this site.) If there is a match, your resume and/or a summary of your information is forwarded to the employer. Choose your level of confidentiality. Some companies do not permit employers to examine their database. Their own human resource personnel conduct the search. In this way, if you are currently employed or decide that your resume should not go to a particular employer, the company is able to control where resumes are sent. With other companies, you are given a code number so that your personal identification is omitted, and provided only after you give your consent. Online job seekers must be cautious given reports of harassment, data mining and even identity theft.

To maximize your time and efforts using the Internet for your work search, here are some points to consider:

Which organizations do you want to list your resume with? Develop a list of criteria important to you and check out the policies of the firms.

• Do they receive jobs in the field you are interested in?

• How many jobs that would fit your qualifications do they typically receive?

• How large is the database and what type of job seekers are represented in the greatest numbers?

• Do they charge job applicants?

• How often can job seekers update their files?

• What information is given to an employer: the actual resume, paper or electronic copy, a summary, etc.?

• How do you know if your resume has been forwarded to an employer?

• How long is an applicant kept on the database?

• What precautions are taken to avoid misuse of your data?

After applying to electronic jobs, if possible, follow up with a phone call to speak personally with the hiring manager and the Human Resources person processing applications. State your interest and inquire about the hiring process, timelines, etc.

• Remember, you need to use a variety of approaches to find work

• Don’t use the Internet as your only job search source!

Internet Work Search Services and Sites

	The following sites are examples of those that provide work advertisements and matching services. University of Waterloo students can obtain required passwords through Career Services.
Canadian Careers	Job database advertising a wide variety of positions online, as well as sections on emerging careers, internships and specialized resources for certain career areas. http://www.canadiancareers.com/
Career Click	Contains Canadian job search and career information provided by CanWest. http://www.careerclick.com/
Career Mosaic Canada	Employer profiles and information are included in this site, as well as a "Jobs Search Agent" service that can provide you with regular updates via email of jobs that match your criteria. Post your resume online for free to apply for job postings. http://www.canada.careermosaic.com/cm/Canada
Electronic Labour Exchange	Recruitment tool for matching employers and job seekers with over 20,000 job titles grouped into checklists according to skills required for a particular job. Construct your resume by using the pre-designed profile. http://www.elec-spe.org/
Monster Board Canada	Thousands of job opportunities in an electronic database. Apply directly online using a key words searchable index. http://english.monster.ca
One Step Job Search Resource	Links to vast listings of newspapers and employment classified sections on the Internet. Newspapers are categorized according to geographic region/area. http://www.onestep.on.ca/findajob/ultimate.cfm
Workopolis	Contains job search and career information provided by The Globe & Mail and the Toronto Star. http://www.workopolis.com/
workopolis Campus	Large Canadian job posting site for students and recent grads (formerly Campus WorkLink). Contact Career Services ([email protected] or 519-888-4047) to obtain UW's password. http://campus.workopolis.com/splash1.html
Youth Resource Network of Canada	Listing of job postings and links according to province, with an emphasis on students and recent graduates entering into the workforce. http://www.youth.gc.ca/

To continue with Step 4.1.3, click here.