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
===========

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

===========

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
===========

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
===========

Reference Letter Sample from a Manager

I have known John Smith for the past year while he has worked as an Accounting Assistant in the Company Accounting Office. I have been consistently impressed by both John's attitude towards his work and his performance on the job. His interpersonal and communication skills have allowed him to develop productive working relationships with both our clients and our staff. John has the listening and interviewing skills necessary to extract information from our clientele while performing financial assessments.

John possesses solid writing skills which have enabled him to compose quality correspondence. He also has the analytical skills to diagnose problems and devise viable solutions. His ability to remain unflustered during frenzied periods like tax season proves his ability to work well under pressure.

I recommend him for employment without reservation. Please let me know if you need further information.

Jane Doe
Title
Company
Address
Phone
Email
===========

Sample Reference Letter: Employment

To whom it may concern:

I would like to recommend Sharon Doe as a candidate for a position with your organization. In her position as Staff Assistant, Sharon was employed in our office from 2002 - 2006. Sharon did an excellent job in this position and was an asset to our organization during her tenure with the office. She has excellent written and verbal communication skills, is extremely organized, can work independently and is able to follow through to ensure that the job gets done.

During her tenure with XXXX, Sharon was responsible for supervising the department office assistants. These assistants, under Sharon's management, were responsible for many of the office's basic administrative and clerical functions. Sharon effectively scheduled and managed several assistants to maintain efficient office operations.

Sharon was always willing to offer her assistance and had an excellent rapport with the many constituents served by our office including clients, employers, and other professional organizations. She would be an asset to any employer and I recommend her for any endeavor she chooses to pursue.

Yours truly,

Jane Smith

Employee Reference Letter

Joe Smith
Main St. Company
123 Main St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Joe.Smith@reference.edu

January 4, 200X

Mr. Joe Boss
Manager
Acme Company
456 Main St.
Philadelphia, PA 12345

Dear Mr. Boss,

It is my pleasure to recommend Mike Applicant, his performance working as a consultant for Main St. Company proved that he will be a valuable addition to any company.

I have known Mike for two years in my capacity as Assistant Manager at Main St. Company. Mike worked for me on various projects as a consultant, and based on his work, I would rank him as one of the best consultants we have ever had.

Mike distinguished himself by consistently submitting exceptionally well-researched and well-written reports on our clients. Mike is highly intelligent and has good analytical and communication skills.

If his performance in our company is a good indication of how he would perform in yours, he would be an extremely positive asset to your program.

If I can be of any further assistance, or provide you with any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours Sincerely,

Joe Smith

Email Reference Letter

Job Search Websites

 The top job search websites to find job listings and job search help, including full-time jobs, entry-level jobs, part-time jobs, teen jobs, job search engines, and networking sites.

Some of the best job search sites are traditional job boards. Others allow you to search many job boards, company career pages, associations, and other sites that list jobs, or help you network with job search contacts.

Here is  The top job search websites :

Cover Letter Writing Guide

Cover letters for resumes, including 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.

Cover Letter Writing
A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored, so, it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective cover letters.

Types of Cover Letters
When you are job hunting, it's important to choose a type of cover letter that is appropriate for how you are applying for a job or requesting job search assistance. Here are the different types of cover letters and information on when each should be used.

Cover Letter Format
Your cover letters should follow the basic format of a typical business letter and should address three general issues including why you are writing, what you have to offer and how you will follow up.

What to Include in a Cover Letter
When you are a writing a cover letter, there is specific information that needs to be included. Your cover letter will include a contact section, a salutation, information on why you are qualified for the job, a closing, and your signature.

Targeted Cover Letters
How to write a targeted cover letter that shows how you are qualified and why you should be selected to interview. Includes targeted cover letter samples and examples.

Cover Letter Writing Tips
Perfection matters when writing cover letters. Every cover letter you write should be customized for the job you are applying for, clear and concise, grammatically correct, and error-free.

Email Cover Letters
When you're sending an email cover letter, it's important to follow the employer's instructions on how to submit your cover letter and resume, and to make sure that your email cover letters are written as well as any other correspondence you send. Here's how to write and send email cover letters.

Parts of a Cover Letter
A cover letter is comprised of several parts: contact information, a salutation, the body of the cover letter, and an appropriate closing.

Cover Letter Salutations
When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job it's important to include an appropriate salutation at the beginning of the cover letter or message.

Cover Letter Closings
When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job it's important to close your letter in a professional manner.

Sample Cover Letters
Cover letter samples and examples, cover letter format, plus templates you can customize to create your own cover letters.

Cover Letter Checklist
Before you send your cover letter, review this checklist to make sure that you have covered all the basics and are sending a perfect cover letter to your prospective employer.

How to Create a Professional 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 any hiring manager.

Professional (and Unprofessional) Resumes

I've seen resumes that are riddled with typos. I've seen resumes that are inconsistent - bullets in some places, dashes in others, bold in some headings, plain text in others. One of the worst examples of a supposedly professional resume was a resume on bright green neon paper. That one was sent via FedEx, so I would be sure to notice it. Your resume, to be effective, needs to be consistent, concise, and clear and easy to read.


How to Create a Professional Resume

Use the Best Resume for Your Situation
There are several basic types of resumes used to apply for job openings. Depending on your personal circumstances, choose a chronological, a functional, combination, or a targeted resume. Taking the time to target your resume is well worth the effort.

VisualCV
Use VisualCV to create an online resume that includes all the facets of a traditional resume, with add-ons like video, images, and links to your accomplishments.

Use Resume Writing Resources
Resume writing advice, cover letters for resumes, how to write a resume, resume posting, resume services, and resume writing tips.

Check Your Resume
This resume checklist includes the information you need to include on your resume. Use the checklist to make sure you have included all relevant information in your resume.

Proof Your Resume
Review these proofing guidelines to ensure that your resume is consistent and error free.

Review Professional Resume Formats, Templates and Samples
Resume samples that fit a variety of employment situations. These sample resumes and templates provide job seekers with examples of resume formats that will work for almost every job seeker

Get Resume Help
Writing a resume is hard work and it's important to get help, or at least have your resume reviewed, before you send it to employers. Here's more information on where to find resume help.

Get a Professional Resume Review or Resume Writing Book
These books include resume writing help, advice, suggestions, plus samples and examples for effective resume writing for all levels of job seekers from recent grads to experienced professionals.

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.

Rather than missing your job search targets, you'll be spending your time job searching in an effective manner if you take it one step at a time - and stay on top of managing job search process.


Plan and Organize Your Job Search
I'm a list person. Lists help me plan and help me execute my plans. Taking a few minutes to make a list of everything you're going to do to job search, is a great way to get your job hunt off to a good start. In addition to knowing what you're going to do, you'll have the satisfaction of crossing items off your list.

Take some time now to organize your job search and the entire process will be easier. Take advantage of the free tools available to help you plan and manage your job search.


Write Your 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.

Make sure your resume has what it takes to make a good impact and has what it takes, from a tech vantage point, to get found by prospective employers.


Create a Personal Cover Letter Template
Write a cover letter you can use as a starting point for the customized cover letters you are going to write when you apply for jobs. It will give you a base to work with and it's good practice. When you find jobs to apply for, the basics will be in place and you'll only need to take the time to target your letter to each job opening.


Create / Update Your Professional Profiles
One of the most important parts of online job searching is your profiles. That's what you use to connect with people in your network and your profile is how you get found on LinkedIn and other networking sites by potential employers. Create profiles if you don't have them and update your profiles if you do, so they are current and compelling.

Your Professional Brand

 Personal vs. Professional Branding

There may not be much difference between personal and professional branding, but from my perspective, your professional brand is what matters to a potential employer, networking contact, or anyone who can help you find a job or grow your career. It's more than a case of making sure your personal brand reflects who are as a person. It's also making sure that the information available about you online is visible, available, and relevant - to where you are in your career and where you want to go next.


Keep Your Personal Life Private

You can still have personal information on the web. Just make sure that it's only available to the people you want to see it. Use this Job Search Internet Checklist to ensure that employers are finding what you want them to find, and what they are viewing is appropriate.


How to Build Your Professional Brand

Once you've made sure that your personal information is only viewable by who you want to see it, start building your professional brand. This will serve a couple of purposes. In addition to being information that showcases your talents for potential employers, it's also information that, if created properly, will bump the not-so-good stuff down the list in Google. That way, any prospective employer who Googles you, should see what you want them to see - your professional branding.


Professional Branding Tools

JibberJobber - Use JibberJobber to keep track of those networking contacts and keep a log of how they have helped you.
LinkedIn - Create a LinkedIn profile and start connecting. Ask and answer LinkedIn questions to increase your visibility.
VisualCV - Create a VisualCV to share with contacts and prospective employers.
Write a Blog - I know everyone, almost literally, has a blog these days. However, a well-written blog focused on your area of expertise is another good addition to your professional branding package.
Create a Presence - Comment on other people's blogs, write some articles, go to industry meetings, conventions, and events, and make contacts in your field. Be sure that all your endeavors are focused and relevant to both your skills and your career goals.
Build a Web Site - Consider a web site to create and showcase your brand. Many web hosting services have built in web building tools and it's quick and easy to build a site that reflects your professional presence.
Get Your Name Out There - Try to meet, either online or in-person, the important people in your field. Send them an email or a message via their web site or networking profile. Over the years, I've met lots of the important people in the world of job searching and careers, many of them because I sent them a quick email introducing myself or vice versa.
Volunteer - If you have time and if there's a way to volunteer in a capacity where you can use your skills and expertise, volunteering is another way to gain exposure as an expert in your career field. It's a good resume building tool, as well.