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Making the Most of the Internet

Technology, and with it, the job search process are changing at lightning speed. The wise job seeker will use the wealth of information on the World Wide Web. But how? Where can you go to find the information you need?

There are links to pertinent information on the Web throughout the Career Services Web Site. The sidebar on the left side of this page provides links to a vast array of additional career-related information.

There are several advantages to the information on the Web:
  1. It's immediacy. Whether you want to learn about the job market for a particular skill, the employer with whom you are about to interview, or the cost of living in an a particular location, the Internet is your best source for current information.
  2. It's easy availability 24 hours a day 7 days a week from any computer with Internet access. No need to make a special trip to the library hoping to find a book on negotiating salaries. The information is already at your fingertips.
  3. The vast pool from which some information will come. Many thousands of jobs are posted on the web daily. This is a great way to learn what skills are being sought by employers in your chosen field and what buzz words are making their way into the postings. This gives you a clue about what skills you will want to develop and what words you want to use on your resume.
  4. Its low cost. Many job seekers already have Internet access on their computers at home. Those who do not can access the Internet at UAB Career Services, at computer labs at UAB, or at their local library.
    However, you need to exercise some caution when using the Web. Job postings on the big jobs boards are very unlikely to yield offers. It's not unusual for thousands of responses to be forwarded for a single job posting.

Also, the vast majority of jobs are never advertised on the Web. Limiting your search to those positions which are on the Web places you at a great disadvantage. The Internet is only one of many tools which you should be using for your job search.

As with newspaper ads, there is always the possibility, however remote, that your current employer is the one advertising the position to which you are responding.

One other word of advice - avoid surfing job sites on your employer's computer. Aside from the ethics issue, this can be a hazardous activity. Many employers track how their employees use their Internet access and what sites they visit. Never visit any sites which you don't want your employer to know about, from your employer's computer.

 

 



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