The Wackerle Corner:
Common online job search mistakes

By: Andrea Emery
News Editor

The Internet has made it much quicker and easier to accomplish many of our routine tasks with just the click of a mouse. This is no different when it comes to career development. When searching for jobs, an important aspect of career development, there are several mistakes you should avoid when trying to find a position which is the right fit for you. Knowing what to look for early in your search will help you as more opportunities and options arise.

When searching for jobs online, be careful not to:

• Post your resume without worrying about privacy. Limit access to contact information to protect your identity. According to the FBI, identity theft is the top Internet fraud. Although limiting this information may make contacting you more difficult, you will be better protected from fraud.

• Use only popular Internet web sites. Many of the “big name” sites are helpful, but they can also be expensive for employers to use. Employers oftentimes use smaller, less costly sites to search for job candidates.

• Post your resume on an extensive number of job sites. Posting your resume on hundreds of job sites is really a self-defeating strategy. You won’t be able to customize your resume for one specific employer and your resume will lose the personal touch.

• Limit your job search efforts to the Internet only. Don’t rely solely on the internet to find a job. People find great jobs by networking as well. Remember that, ultimately, people are hired by other people.

• Apply for jobs without meeting the minimum qualifications. It is so easy to just hit “apply” for online positions, even if you are not totally qualified. You definitely don’t want to hurt yourself by applying for jobs that aren’t relevant to your skill set. Keep in mind what you are really qualified for when job searching.

• Expect someone else to do your job search for you. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of job searching when you are attending career fairs or have great connections with other people in your field. Remember, however, no one knows you as well as you do. It is important you make contacts yourself to find that great job.

• Forget a personal resume web page is a business document. Everyone wants to stand out in the crowd, but it is important you stick to only business-related information that will help you, not hurt you, when job searching. Skip the party photos and cool technology. Make sure you are portraying your professional image through your page.

• Forget to follow up with potential employers. It is extremely important to follow-up immediately after your interview. In the current work environment, either traditional printed or mailed thank you letters and e-mails are appropriate.

The Internet has made job searching easier and more complex at the same time. Currently, there are nearly 50,000 websites devoted to job searches and careers according to SelfGrowth.com. You can now send your resume to thousands of potential employers with the touch of a button. If you remember to avoid job search mistakes and continue to improve your resume as you receive feedback, the next resume you send might be the one to land you the perfect job.