An Effective Internet Job Search

Every day, you can find jobs posted on the Internet that match your requirements — full-time or part-time openings, entry level, and experienced positions. CareerXroads' 2006 Annual Sources of Hire study reports that "The impact of the Internet is so pervasive that it is reasonable to imagine that every source of hire has an internet component." The internet is increasingly becoming the primary means to apply and communicate about jobs.

Use diverse types of job listing sites to find jobs on the Internet.

Titan Connection

The Titan Connection jobs database is an example of a members-only job-listing site, because only Cal State Fullerton students have access to it. Employers post jobs on this site because they want to hire a student or graduate from CSUF. You can access the Titan Connection jobs database from the Career Center Link through your CSUF student portal.

Large Public Job Listing Sites

There are many popular job listing sites that provide broad access to job listings. Many of these sites are free to job seekers, including the "Big 3" job boards such as Monster, CareerBuilder, and HotJobs. Use keywords to search for jobs in your chosen field or industry. Search these sites on a regular basis, whether you are in an active job search or not. Over time, you will gain a clear picture of the market for your skills, trends in job openings, and salary ranges. This information will help you position yourself successfully in your active job search.

Pie Chart

Proportion of external hires attributed to job boards (source: CareerXroads' 2006 Annual Sources of Hire study)

Smaller Niche Job Listing Sites:

Check smaller, more niche job boards, including professional organizations dedicated to your field or industry. There are over 40,000 niche job boards. Several major categories include (examples):

  • Geographic specific sites (craigslist.org, OCjobfinder.com, OCJobsite.com, Jobing.com, etc.)
  • National Professional Associations (American Marketing Association, American Association of People with Disabilities, American Bankers Association, American Risk and Insurance Association, Association for Financial Professionals)
  • Local affiliates of national professional organizations (California Association of Environmental Professionals, Association of Environment Professionals – Orange County, Association of Internet Professionals – Orange County, etc.)
  • Industry specific job boards (Marketingjobs.com, Bankjobs.com, Engineeingjobs.com, Biospace.com, Governmentjobs.com, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, etc.)

Talk to others to find out about sites they use, or consult with an Industry Specialist in the Career Center for recommendations. Links to professional and industry sites are available on the Career Center Industry Specialist web pages.

Employer Web Pages

Most employers post jobs directly on their website. Some of these job postings may not be viewable on other public or small job boards, and may take between 24 hours to 2 weeks before they do appear listed on another job board. If there is a specific company you want to work for, you should go directly to their website to search for jobs, rather than relying on outside job boards.

MetaSearch Sites

MetaSearch sites are a recent entrant to the market. MetaSearch sites pull job postings from up to 500 different job sites in one location. Sites such as Indeed.com, CareerBuilder.com, Flipdog.com and the Google desktop job search plug-in, offer MetaSearch engines. Some sites will also allow candidates to use RSS readers.

Job Search Agents

You can set up job search agents on all the top job boards, many company webites, and on the Titan Connection jobs database. Depending on the site you are using, you can opt to receive new job postings by email or even by text message to your cell phone or instant message account. When a job is posted matching your preferences, the Job Search Agent will send you an automatic notification. You will be notified of opportunities you might otherwise miss, and you will be made aware of the demand for employees in your interest area.

Social Networking Tools

More people are hired by referrals than all Internet sources combined. Social networking tools allow you to make new contacts without the time expenditure incurred attending mixers or scheduling lunches. Based upon the six degrees of separation theory, whereby you and anyone you would want to meet are separated by a maximum of six people/connections, social networks have become an extremely helpful resource tool for job hunters and employers alike.

Networks like LinkedIn, MySpace, Ryze, and FaceBook, and Viralcommerce.com can help you build your network. Instead of hunting for a specific job, members of the network look to reach out and expand their network — in turn, expanding their job opportunities. Often, building connections with other members results in accessing top jobs that are not posted on the Internet.

Finally, shut off the computer and spend some time with your family, friends, and yourself.

The Internet brings hundreds of potential jobs to your fingertips at any time of day or night and at your convenience. But remember, not all jobs are found on the Internet. Some of your best opportunities will be the result of networking, word-of-mouth referrals, and meeting with recruiters.