Beginning an online job search can seem overwhelming.  With all of the job search engines out there it’s hard to even know where to start. The state of the economy means you’ll be competing against many other applicants for each position, and the competition is tough.  The following tips will teach you how to successfully navigate the online job search and maximize your chances of landing a job.

Make Time. 
Looking for a job can be a full-time job in itself. An efficient, effective job search involves time and discipline. Make sure you schedule at least an hour a day to work on your resume, update online networking profiles, and check job listings. Positions are posted and filled daily, so you need to stay on top of your search. 

Get Organized So Your Files are Always at Hand. 
First and foremost, before you begin to look for jobs online, you need to get organized.  This means creating templates for your resume and cover letter.  Employers want to see applicants with a personal interest in the job they’ve posted. If you want to land an interview, you’ll need to tailor your resume and cover letter for each position you apply for. Therefore, it helps to have a template to work off of instead of recreating your resume each time.  Keep in mind that most companies ask for your resume in Microsoft Word format.

Many career search experts suggest creating a separate e-mail account specifically for your job search.  Gmail and Yahoo! Mail are two examples of free web-based email services that are easily accessible through any computer or smartphone. Sending your resume and cover letter templates and each saved version to your e-mail will not only allow you to apply for jobs easily and on the go, but will also help keep each sent version of your resume handy should you need it for an interview.

Reach Out to Your Network.
A personal recommendation is the quickest and easiest way to land an interview. Thanks to social media networking sites such as LinkedIn, it’s now much easier to get connected. Be sure to set up a LinkedIn profile if you don’t already have one. Then, connect with friends, family, neighbors, professors, family friends, and previous colleagues. Once you’re connected, send each contact a friendly message, asking if they would keep an eye out for the kind of job you’re searching for, or if they can introduce you to helpful contacts.

Talk to a recruiter.
Visit the websites of recruiting firms that specialize in your industry. Recruiting firms maintain their own job postings and offer detailed career information and advice. These sites have the great advantage of allowing you to conduct highly targeted searches.

Speaking of recruiting sites, if you’re looking for a job in the engineering, construction, or architecture industry you’ve come to the right place. At RealStreet Staffing, our staffing professionals will provide personal service to help you find a rewarding opportunity that fits your needs. Check out our available positions and contact us today to see how we can help.