Online Job Search Guide

Here are all the resources you'll need for a successful online job search including how to write resumes and cover letters, where to look for jobs, how to conduct a job search, the best way to use networking and social media to job search, how to interview successfully and negotiate compensation, and how to research employment related benefits and legal matters.

Build Your Professional Brand

Professional branding is important for everyone who is job searching. It's important to create a personal brand that portrays you in a professional light and showcases your credentials.

Fast Track Your Job Search

What can you do when you have to find a job fast? It's not easy, but there are steps you can take to expedite your job search. Spending some time to get your job search in order, keeping it organized, focused, and on the fast track will help you find a job faster than if you don't have a plan in place.

Create a Resume

Your resume needs to be professional and polished, because if you don't have a professional resume, your application materials probably won't get a second glance from a hiring manager. Here's how to write a resume.

Write Compelling Cover Letters

It's important to write a customized cover letter for each job you apply for. Here's what to include in your cover letter, how to write a cover letter, cover letter format, targeted cover letters, and cover letter samples and examples.

Use the Best Job Search Websites

Don't post your resume on every job search website or try to use all of them to job search. Instead, speed up your job search by using the job search engines to search for jobs across the Internet. Select niche sites, which are job sites focused on a specific industry or career field, and local job sites that are match for the types of job you want and where you want to work.

Get Recommendations

References - good or bad - can be what determines if you get a job offer. Here's what job seekers need to know about references, including information on reference and recommendation letters, sample letters of recommendation and reference lists, how to ask for a reference, and how to use references.

Ace the Interview

Successful interviewing is essential to getting a job offer. That means practicing interview questions and answers, dressing in appropriate interview attire, and, being able to present your skills and experience to a prospective employer.

Job Interview Tips and Advices

 Job interviewing never seems to get any easier - even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count. You are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you know or don't know. Here are job interview tips to help prepare you to interview effectively. Proper preparation which help alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews.
Job Interview Tips

Practice

Practice answering interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers most employers ask. Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills. Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy.

Prepare

Prepare a response so you are ready for the question "What do you know about our company. Know the interviewer's name and use it during the job interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.

Watch

Take a look at my Job Interview Tips Videos, so you'll be sure to dazzle a potential employer and leave the right impression.

Get Ready

Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note taking.

Be On Time

Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.

Stay Calm

During the job interview try to relax and stay as calm possible. Take a moment to regroup. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer and pay attention - you will be embarrassed if you forget the question!

Show What You Know

Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.  When discussing your career accomplishments match them to what the company is looking for.

Follow Up

Always follow-up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position. If you interview with multiple people send each one a thank you note

Recommendation Letters for Employment

Recommendation letter for employment examples including employee recommendation letters, letters from supervisors, recommendation letters for a promotion, letters from previous employers, personal recommendation letters, and other employment related recommendation letters.

Employment Recommendation Letter Examples:

Email Reference Letter Example

Employee Recommendation Letter Example

Employment Recommendation Example

Recommendation Letter from a Manager

Recommendation Example From a Manager

Recommendation Letter Sample From a Previous Employer

Reference Letter Sample for an Employee

Reference Letter Sample - Employee

It is my pleasure to recommend Laura Woods for employment with your organization. I have known Laura for over two years during which time she worked as a communications assistant in my office. I have been consistently impressed with Laura's attitude and productivity during the time that she has worked in the office.

Laura is both very bright and quite motivated. I am confident that she will devote herself to a position with your organization with a high degree of diligence. She is a quick learner and has shown the ability to digest large volumes of information. Ms. Woods has demonstrated the ability to articulate information and ideas in both the verbal and written forms.

Laura has also been effective in her efforts to engage the media we outreach to. She has been able to write interesting press releases and articles and convince editors to publish those pieces. Ms. Woods is willing to take risks. She will reach out to people and involve them with projects. I particularly appreciate Laura's willingness to take initiative to help the office serve its constituents more fully.

I recommend Woods without reservations. I am confident that she will establish productive relationships with your staff and constituents. Please let me know if you have need for additional information about this outstanding young woman.

Sincerely,

FirstName LastName
Manager
ABCD Company
818-580-5888
email@abcd.com
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Reference Letter Sample - District Manager

To Whom it May Concern:

Mary Foley has been employed by Company, Inc. since June 1, 2003. During this period, she demonstrated all the qualities that employers seek in searching for promotable employees. She has an excellent capacity to quickly grasp new theories and applications, and has always sought to gain additional responsibilities.

Mary's zeal to improve herself has been displayed by her attendence at evening school to complete her Master's Degree. Her competence is such that, in the absence of our Branch Manager, she was very capable of directing the entire work force to get the job done.

It is unfortunate for Company, Inc. that, due to economic constraints, we must reorganize our organization and lose valued employees such as Mary. I would highly recommend her for any position or career that she may now choose to pursue.

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to call me.

George Evans
Title
Company
Address
Phone
Email

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Reference Letter Sample - Previous Employer

To Whom it May Concern:

I highly recommend Jane Doe as a candidate for employment. Jane was employed by Company Name as an Administrative Assistant from 2002 - 2005. Jane was responsible for office support including word processing, scheduling appointments and creating brochures, newsletters, and other office literature.

Jane has excellent communication skills. In addition, she is extremely organized, reliable and computer literate. Jane can work independently and is able to follow through to ensure that the job gets done. She is flexible and willing to work on any project that is assigned to her. Jane was quick to volunteer to assist in other areas of company operations, as well.

Jane would be a tremendous asset for your company and has my highest recommendation. If you have any further questions with regard to her background or qualifications, please do not hesitate to call me.

Sincerely,

John Smith
Title
Company
Address
Phone
Email
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Reference Letter Sample: Manager

To Whom it May Concern:

Jane Doe has worked for me as a Merchandiser Supervisor for the past two years. While under my supervision, her responsibilities have included hiring, training, and supervising store service personnel.

She has established an outstanding rapport with store managers and owners. Her ability to get work done through the service personnel has been outstanding. Jane is highly respected by the people who work under her supervision, she is organized, thorough in her paperwork, and is always on time.

Jane has done an excellent job and I would highly recommend her for a position with your organization. Please let me know if I can provide you with any further information.

Respectfully,

John Smith
Title
Company
Address
Phone
Email
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