top 10 mistakes - #3 using job boards

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Top 10 Mistakes

Using Job Boards

By: Bill Hollandwww.mandrake.ca/bill

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Introduction

• Searching for jobs online is a common contemporary approach. There are job seekers these days that likely don’t remember it any other way! Browsing job boards is as natural for today’s job seeker as circling newspaper ads was for those from the “old school”. Large public sites have become recruiting institutions, and you should consider using them for both direct job hunting and as a research tool. In addition to large national sites, jobs are also posted on smaller, niche sites, as well as on association and corporate websites. Almost all companies who have a website have a “career” section that advertises available positions or invites people to apply. Although searching for work online is a common practice, keep in mind that it’s not the only road to success in landing a job.


#10 – Not Having An Objective Or Experience Profile On Your Resume

• If you’ve submitted a cover letter, it may not be read. Therefore, be sure to clearly and succinctly state your objective and/ or include an experience profile in your resume.

• ReadySet Hired! A Practical Guide to Finding a Job.I recently co-authored the book ReadySet Hired! which takes you through all stages of the job search process, from beginning to end. Easily manage your job search through a 10-step process supported by coaching comments, quick tips and dozens of online resources.Available FREE! at www.readysethired.com


#9 – Being Inflexible

• Be open to considering opportunities slightly outside of your criteria. You don’t want to broaden your search to much, but keep in mind that postings contain limited information, so don’t discount a job prematurely.



#8 – Having An Outdated Profile

• You never know when a potential employer might be searching online for someone with your qualifications. Keep your information accurate and up to date so that they don’t pass you over.



#7 – Not Using Them As A Research Tool

• There is much information to be gleaned from job boards. You can identify market trends as well as find out which companies are hiring and which recruiters are active in your area of interest.



#6 – Failing To Follow Instructions

• Due to the volume of applicants, there is usually a strict process that you must follow when applying to jobs online. Don’t ruin your chances by circumventing the process.



#5 – Not Checking Them Regularly

• Don’t spend all your time on job boards, but be sure to schedule regular check-ins so you don’t miss any suitable opportunities. If a job is newly posted, apply early to beat the rush of resumes that will flow in as the deadline approaches.



#4 – Applying To Everything

• Don’t apply to jobs just because they sound “great”. If you’re clearly not qualified for a job, don’t waste anyone’s time – including yours. You may lose credibility when an appropriate opportunity arises.



#3 – Limiting Your Reach

• Don’t limit yourself to popular job boards. Explore niche and regional job boards for opportunities. Also determine which companies you would like to work for and check out their corporate career sites.



#2 – Not Focusing Your Resume On Key Words

• Don’t simply post your regular resume. Online resumes are searched and ranked based on nouns and keywords. Modify your resume accordingly so you don’t needlessly disqualify yourself.



#1 – Relying Exclusively On Them

• Competition is steep on job boards, with potentially thousands of people applying to the same jobs. Don’t rule them out completely, but be sure to spend time networking for leads.


top 10 mistakes - #3 using job boards

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