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How do You Find a Job on the Internet?
by Jan C. Shope, M.A., LPC

For those who own a computer (or have access to one), and who find themselves either out of work or wishing to change jobs or careers, there is a plethora of information out there in cyberspace.

Knowing where to start and how to spend one’s time wisely in this pursuit can feel daunting at times. This article attempts to help reduce stress by listing and reviewing some of the best websites out there with resources having to do with job searching.

There are a handful of sites whose purpose is one of general information regarding the entire job hunting process. They are as follows:

1. www.jobhuntersbible.com – This is the official website associated with the book, What Color is Your Parachute, A Practical Manual for Job Hunters and Career Changers, by Richard Nelson Bolles. The site is quite expansive and it covers six areas that are particularly useful for those looking for work. They are, “The Internet, Research on the Internet, Contacts, Counseling, Job Hunting, and Jobs and Resumes.” In each of these sections, there are links to other areas on the internet or on the site that provide additional information relevant to the job seeker. The site is particularly helpful for those who are not as internet savvy, as it explains in detail an introduction to the internet itself under the first section, “The Internet.” It is a detailed overview of Mr. Bolles’ book. He also uses the website to link those interested to other websites that he has reviewed and explains the relevance to each. This website really can be a one-stop shop with just about everything (and everyone) you would need to know when setting out to embark on job searching.

2. www.job-hunt.org – This website, run by Susan Joyce, touts itself as a “free online job search guide,” with “help and links to 11,673 employers and resources.” It is laid out in magazine format with headings (links) to helpful places to go. Some of those are, “Layoff Help, Job Search Advice, Job Search News,” and “Job Search Sites and Career Resources.” Under each of these headings are articles related to various aspects of the job search process. Located at the top of the website you can search employers by state and when you go to the state link there are additional articles that are more locally relevant.

3. www.rileyguide.com – run by Margaret F. Dikel, is a self-described guide that lists employment opportunities and job resources on the internet, “providing free career and employment information since February 1994.” It has a handy side-bar, which provides navigation around the site and a “What’s New” section in the center of the home page that details new information relevant to job seekers. You can post your resume on the site and find out information about such things as salary data and negotiating job offers.

4. www.quintcareers.com – run by Randall Hansen, is a well laid out site that is useful to those exploring the job market. It has several headings at the top of the home page that one can click on if you are a student, job-seeker, career changer, coach-counselor, or other visitor. Also on the home page are the sections, “Main Features,” and “Hot Resources,” which have articles linked underneath that may be of interest. Down the middle of the home page are five sections. The first, “Quintessential Job Search,” is a search engine where a person puts in key words about the kind of job you want to find and then a zip code. The search engine looks through the database and attempts to locate it for you. The second, “Quick Quintessential Links,” is a list of the different college, career and job-search resources that are available on the website. The third heading down the middle of the home page is called, “Job Seeker Tools.” These tools involve resume posting, creating a portfolio, adding a job search alert, and the like. Next, is “Top Job Categories,” where the top six categories are listed and linked with search engines embedded in each one. Finally, there is listed “Popular Site Searches,” and a place to create your own if so desired.

5. www.asktheheadhunter.com – run by Nick Corcodilos is a weekly e-newsletter with blogs and articles designed with the job seeker in mind. Mr. Corcodilos’ blog is quite informative and up to date. It is worth reading for those who want to be in-the-know in today’s job market.

6. www.indeed.com - is a comprehensive job search engine. This site prevents someone having to go to many different job boards for postings because it takes job listings from thousands of company websites, job boards, newspapers, and associations. All you do is type in your keyword, i.e., “sales assistant,” and the zip code of your area and it gives you oftentimes a very long list of the postings sorted by latest date to earliest.

Although this list is by no means all that is out there, it is a list of some that are worth the time to check out. The process is quite time consuming so you should allow at least several days to go through them all in order to get the full value of what each has to offer. And don’t forget to take breaks to stretch, eat, or simply to get your mind on something else while sitting for long periods of time at the computer. Remember balance goes a long way to staying fit in body and mind. Getting on the internet can be scary but once you decide to “dive in,” it is always informative and most of the time, well worth the effort. Happy surfing!

©Jan Shope, M.A., L.P.C 2009. All rights reserved. Ms. Shope is a professional counselor and life coach specializing in individual, couples, and family psychotherapy and maintains a private practice in Spicewood, Texas.

With over eight years experience as a clinician, and a graduate of Texas State University specializing in professional counseling, Ms. Shope is currently serving as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among her areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and couples dealing with divorce and parenting issues.