Using Technology in Your Job Search

    Computer technology can enhance the career exploration and job search process by providing the opportunity to

1. access information about careers, qualifications, job openings, and potential employers;
2. communicate and network with people around the country and around the world; and
3. send your resume to an employer electronically.

    Electronic job search strategies are not intended to replace other methods of job hunting. Using a variety of methods is often the most effective strategy. According to Richard Bolles, author of the popular job hunting resource, What Color Is Your Parachute?, many job seekers view the Internet as a “sure fire way to find a job.” The reality is that online listings are fragmented and spread out over thousands of sites. Bolles estimates that about 75 percent of online listings are for jobs in computer engineering, electronic, technology, healthcare, financial and academic fields. Further, if looking for a job outside of a computer-related field, there is only about a 2 percent effectiveness rate on the Internet. For computer-related jobs, the effectiveness rate can be as high as 45 percent. For more information, refer to the Bolles’ website.

    If you plan to communicate with employers or network with professionals electronically, pay attention to proper etiquette, also know as “netiquette.”

• Always think before you send a message. The way you communicate using e-mail is just as important as the way you communicate face-to-face. Think about the impression you are making!
• Never write messages that you wouldn’t want to become public knowledge. Completely refrain from sending abusive, harassing, or bigoted messages.
• Remember that electronic correspondence requires the same level of professionalism as traditional methods. Avoid being too casual when online.
• Keep the length of messages reasonable.
• Always use correct grammar and spelling.
• Avoid using uppercase letters in your messages as that may be interpreted as shouting at a person.