The explosive growth of the Internet has changed many aspects of the workplace, including the recruitment and job search processes.  Many companies now post jobs and recruit online; some even hire via online applications only.

Does this mean that traditional job search methods are obsolete?  Not at all--or at least not yet.  Many people still find their first--or their best--jobs via the two stand-bys:  traditional job search methods and personal networking (still the No. 1 way to land a job), including job-specific news groups, professional meetings, etc. But there are places and processes and positions to which the traditional methods can no longer give us access.  A quick scan of major electronic job banks or company websites will show thousands of job openings currently posted to Internet sites; the number grows daily.  The savvy job-seeker today thus needs to consider both traditional and online strategies when conducting a job search.

Savvy job seekers use the power of the Internet in three important ways:

1.  They research job banks (major job banks have links below); in addition to job postings, job banks may include job market information, geographic profiles, employer registration, job search tools, and more.  Keep in mind, however, that sites like Monster.com may receive 40,000 new resumes a day, according to Time magazine (24 November 2003).

2.  They submit resumes to potential employers electronically.  Not only can job seekers target more potential employers; they can also easily customize their resumes to fit specific job postings--and demonstrate technological know-how in the process.  Many companies' websites offer job seekers the potential to post their resumes directly via the website.  Many recruiters expect to receive resumes as attachments to email applications.

3.  They research potential employers online, to get a feel for the job prospects in their chosen field or a particular geographic area.  When submitting a job application, they use this information in their cover letters to suggest a good "match" between their qualifications and the needs and goals of the employer.

To take advantage of this growing trend, job-seekers need to

• learn how to present their job qualifications via electronic formats, both via attached resumes and via website dialogue boxes
• explore online job search resources in their field
• investigate which employers accept applications online
• visit the websites of companies or organizations they are interested in and become knowledgeable about the company before applying.

Employers are taking advantage of electronic media as well.  Human screening of resumes and applications when there are many applicants has become cost-prohibitive.  Thus many employers are using technology both to save time and money and to reach the widest possible pool of potential applicants.  Employers use electronic technology in several ways:

1.  Many employers use scanning programs to do the first screening of applications, scanning the electronic resumes for specific terms.  Only those resumes which match the keywords programmed in by the employer go into a database, where they are read by human eyes.  Thus a resume must match the keywords in the job description to even be entered in the database.

2.  Some employers maintain electronic databases of qualified candidates and tap into these databases on an on-going basis, whenever new positions are being created.

3.  Employers who post jobs electronically target a much larger (international) pool of qualified applicants than they would be able to reach by traditional means.

4.  Employers use e-mail for easy, direct contact with potential job candidates.

The Riley Guide
Examples: Online (text only) and Traditional Resume

America's Job Bank
CareerBuilder
Employment Guide
JobCentral.com
JobWeb
Interbiznet
Job-Hunt.org (lists many niche sites)
Monstertrak
Monster.com
NowHiring.com

SVSU Career Services Job Postings
MIREAP (Michigan Regional  Education Applicant and Placement Program)
    (part of the National School Applications Network)

Because many companies use computers to scan the large number of resumes they receive in response to job postings, online resumes must be prepared with this  process in mind.  The computers which scan resumes use artificial intelligence to search for keywords and then store resumes of qualified potential employees in a database.

Content

• Put your name and address at the top
• Use a separate line for each item of information
• Provide both your phone number and e-mail address (homepage URL is optional)
• Include a specific career objective
• Identify the qualifications and abilities you bring to the organization
• Limit your resume to 1-2 "pages" if you are a new graduate
• Decide how you will handle references; ask permission of references you will list

• Use keywords which match the employer's job description or desired qualifications
• Be clear and concise
• Minimize abbreviations
• Choose terms customary for the field; you may use job-related jargon

Format will depend on how the resume will be submitted:

A.   If the job bank or employer website allows you to merely to cut and paste your resume into its window, your traditional resume can be used.
B.  If the format requires you to "fill in the blanks" on a pre-formatted form, you can be almost certain the resume will be electronically scanned; adapt the information from your traditional resume as the dialogue boxes require; use keywords.
C.  If you will be sending your resume by e-mail, consider whether a Word or PDF file attachment is the better choice.
Remember:  your resume must be "readable" by a computer

• Research each potential organization and personalize your letter to that employer;
  browse its website to get a "feel" for the organization; read its mission statement; look
  to see if it has a link for job applications
• Focus on one or two of your most outstanding accomplishments or abilities; connect these
  to the job you are applying for
• Be clear and concise; a 4-paragraph structure is typical:
  • arouse interest; specify position you are applying for
  • describe major qualification - education or experience, skills, knowledge, abilities
  • describe additional qualification(s) - education or experience
  • close; provide contact information
• Use specific facts or examples to demonstrate your accomplishments or experience
• Be honest; don't misrepresent yourself
• Choose language and details that clearly make your resume original
• Use business letter format; adapt if necessary as appropriate for mode of submission.

SVSU accepts no responsibility for the content of this page.  Comments on this page should be directed to Diane Boehm.

Copyright 1997; revised 2006.