Resources available for job hunt

Media General News Service
Published: May 27, 2008

Dear Propeller Heads: I’m about to be “downsized” and haven’t been job-searching since Johnny Carson hosted “The Tonight Show.“ Do you have any hints or tools to assist with my search?


Answer: Well, you’re heading in the right direction. There are so many tools, Web
sites and job boards that you should land a new position in no time. So, get out those bifocals and get going!
First, the basics.
Get your résumé in order and add current and appropriate contact information.
Be sure to use an e-mail address that you check frequently.
You also should check your own name in search engines to make sure there are no pictures or blog postings out there that could hurt your chances.
Be sure to accurately represent your skill set within your résumé.
Consider going to Brainbench.com or any other skills-assessment site to gauge your proficiency level in whatever area you wish to highlight. This will either reassure you or point out where you may want to spend a little time studying.
Remember the old adage, “You only get one first impression.“
That is so true when applying for a position. Whether your first exposure is by phone, an e-mailed résumé or in person, be professional and know your audience. Do a little groundwork beforehand.
Researching potential employers will help you organize your thoughts, and help you determine where you might fit into the organization.
Most companies have career sections on their Web sites. Take a look at open jobs to see whether there is a potential match for your skill set.
Check out your local newspaper — and its Web site — for job postings.
The jobs they list will be local, and you know that first-grader of yours does not want to change schools. This newspaper has teamed up with Yahoo! HotJobs to give you the best of local and national exposure, so you may need to pack those bags after all.
General-interest employment Web sites, including Yahoo! HotJobs, CareerBuilder.com and Monster.com, allow you to search by job title, industry or geographical area.
Many niche Web sites focus on specific skills. Most sites allow you to send your résumé or apply directly from the site.
Use a general-purpose employment site purely as a tool to find an appropriate opening, then take a look at the employer’s own site to see whether the job posting is there as well.
You also should find out as much as possible about the job and the company.
Employment sites serve their purpose, but having control over exactly what a potential employer sees is important.
Many sites lose formatting information, causing your résumé masterpiece to look like your first-grader typed it. Try sending it as an attachment, or apply through a career portal site that allows customized résumés for each employer.
Be sure to check Web sites of professional organizations you either belong to or have thought about joining. They often have job postings and are good resources for networking.
After submitting your résumé, follow up with a call or e-mail a day or two later to show interest. This may ensure that your résumé is given a second look.
Save or print a copy of the résumé you send to each employer. Include notes, such as the date it was sent, what inspired you about the job posting and contact information for following up.
Happy job hunting.
Send your questions on business or consumer technology to . Or, contact the Propeller Heads at Data Directions, 8510 Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116 or at (804) 427-2426.