A candidates view of job seeking online

Here at Talenetic, we are acutely aware that most blog posts about job seeking are done by experienced individuals who live and breathe the industry, so we thought it would be interesting to see what someone outside the industry would see and do when job hunting. We simply asked for an article on an online job hunt through the eyes of a graduate. Here’s what was written:-

A Candidates’ View of Job Seeking Online
In a time of economic unrest, it can be difficult for anyone to find a job, especially a graduate. Jobs are few and far between and competition is fierce so how do you ensure that you find that perfect job? Well here we look at how to job seek online and some basics that you have to cover to make sure the job is right for you, and you’re right for the job!

The most common way of searching for a job online is to use a job search website like TotalJobs or Monster. Both of these, and other similar job search websites, provide a medium for employers to advertise jobs and for potential candidates to apply. To get the most out of these websites, you need to follow these tips:

1. Search often – employers don’t have a specific day of the week that they are likely to advertise a job. As soon as they have completed all the paperwork and the job becomes available for applicants, they will post it onto a job search website. It’s therefore essential that you search for jobs regularly to make sure that you don’t miss the perfect job for you or the application deadline. A daily search will make sure that you pick up new jobs immediately and have the chance to put in your application before the competition.
2. Subscribe to job alerts – don’t just rely on your ability to search for a job online. Most online job search websites will have a job alert email facility. After entering your chosen job requirements, you will then be emailed as soon as matching jobs are posted. Again this can help you apply before others and make sure you don’t miss any jobs being advertised.
3. Match the essential requirements – on most job adverts, the employer will have provided a list of essential requirements. These are things that any applicant needs to match. Carefully check the essential requirements against your own qualifications, skill set and experience to make sure that you meet the criteria. If you don’t match them, it probably isn’t worth applying as these will be qualities that are essential for doing the job.
4. Match the desirable attributes – as well as a list of essential requirements, a job advert is also likely to have some desirable attributes too. These are qualities that the employer is ideally looking for but not essential for the job. Again carefully check the list and consider your own circumstances and experience. If you meet any of the desirable criteria, you are in a good position to apply for the job.
5. Find fields of experience – as a graduate, it can be difficult to compete in the job arena without much experience. However when looking for a job using an online job search website, try to tailor your experience to meet the experience required. Although you may have only had a paper round before, it shows that you are a hard worker and punctual. If you’ve worked in your father’s office, you might be able to show that you are a team player or have basic admin skills. Tailor what is required from the employer with what you’ve been exposed to in a part-time job or whilst studying.
6. Be flexible – in highly competitive times, you need to be flexible about what job you apply for. If a job is in a field you want to work in but not in the exact role, consider applying anyway as it may be a stepping stone to your desired job. Also consider moving areas in order to find your dream job or alter your expectations of working hours.
7. Consider the salary – as a graduate you might be desperate for work but before applying for a job consider what salary is being offered, Is the salary fair for the hours you will be expected to work? Does it take into account your experience and more importantly is it enough to live off? Very few companies will appreciate you attempting to negotiate a higher salary before you start or even in the months that follow so make sure that you are confident that the salary reflects what you have to offer.