The majority of the job application process tends to be online. Applying for jobs on the Internet and using online tools like job boards, job search engines, and networking sites is a common practice. These tools can feel intimidating and confusing, but with some practice, they are assets to your career search.
Here are a few things to consider when you start applying for jobs online
- Have a document prepared with all the personal information you might need
- Use a job search engine that compiles positions from multiple sources
- Set up job alerts for specific position types
- Respond to online postings
- Have a current resume prepared
- Stay safe online - Is the posting real and reliable?
- Check the date of the post to make sure it is current and still available
- Don't share personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), birth date, bank account, credit card number
- Be wary of anyone who asks you to pay for something
- Be cautious about jobs that promise a high salary for a little work
Personal information you might need for an application
- Work history (company name, address, phone, supervisor's name, position title, dates of employment, hours per week, salary, etc.)
- Educational history (school name, address, web address, graduation date, type of diploma, degree, or certificate earned)
- Contact information (name, address, phone, email, an application might ask for your SSN)
- References
New to online job searching? Check out this short video to see how it works.
