In last weeks post we discussed how to optimize job hunt research techniques in the digital age. This week we show how you can make the most of digital job hunting.

Job-hunting

There are so many online job-hunting resources out there - too many it seems at times - that you could spend all your time just looking for jobs.  So you need to focus and be selective.

Find the sites that best suit your job hunt, then filter and customise them so they only give you useful information. Set up email / text alerts to make sure you get your selection of job ads as soon as they get posted.

Remember, recruiters and companies move fast: make sure once you find the right job you apply for it as soon as possible.  It might be filled tomorrow…

o   Online job boards - limit your time on these or you could waste days. Spend no more than an hour or so a day and be productive. Note the jobs you want to apply for and apply for them all in batches.

Sites like Monster , Totaljobs and Reed are very popular with employers and jobseekers but it does mean that you face lots of competition for every job. To enhance your chances and find as many advertised jobs as possible use a ’scraper’ like Simply Hired - these are sites that search (scrape) lots of job sites so you don’t have to.  Set and save your filters once and make your job search simple.

o   Niche groups - the digital revolution has improved the access to the hidden job market by making it easier to find out about jobs that are only advertised to their target market.  Join relevant groups and forums online and you’ll get to hear about relevant postings. LinkedIn Groups are particularly good for this - note: search and sign up for relevant groups and make sure you get the daily email digest.

o   Twitter - hot property Twitter is now the source for a surprising number of ‘exclusive’ jobs (that aren’t advertised elsewhere).  Searching Twitter for opportunities can be a bit hit and miss so try Work Digital’s excellent Twitter Job Search tool.

o   Recruiters online - recruiters are all over the digital space (posting on Twitter, on LinkedIn, and on their own sites) so find the ones that recruit in your area and ‘connect’ with them digitally.  It’s much easier than in ‘real’ life. Take a look at some UK recruiters’ blogs.

o   Companies’ websites - Lots of firms list job opportunities on their own website and nowhere else. So identify companies you’d like to work for and make their sites part of your regular search activity.

Networking

The Internet makes the world a smaller place - no matter what your industry it’s easy to connect with like-minded people who want to network and share knowledge. Networking is invaluable for job hunting.  See the Figuring Out post on social networking to access the hidden job market.

o   Blogs & forums - follow the ideas and discussions on the blogs of people in your industry that you admire. If you think you’ve got something to add then comment or even set up your own blog (easily done via Blogger or WordPress). Often online groups set up offline events and more informal meetings that can be great for networking - find out more about offline meetings using  Tweetups,Eventbrite

o   Facebook: it’s a social networking site for friends…not colleagues, clients or employers.  If your boss, a recruiter or anyone else involved in your professional life asks to be your Facebook friend, point them to your LinkedIn account instead.

A note of warning: don’t lie, don’t take liberties and don’t forget that what you put online lasts forever, somewhere…

Guest post by Lopez - digital content professional

For more more information on careers please contact Fiona Biggins (Career Preparation Expert and Career Coach)