Strategies for Job Searching Online

Before signing up with a career website, do due diligence before you turn over your resumé or your personal information to websites—always read the fine print of their privacy policies. The IAEWS recommends that you consider sites that allow you to post your resumé or online profile in a “for employers only” area—not for public view.

If you’re looking for suggestions about free websites that target senior workers, check out Quintessential Careers’ recommendations at www.quintcareers.com/mature_jobseekers.html. AARP also offers many career resources at www.aarp.org/money/careers.

Consider four more suggestions from Margaret Riley Dikel, author of the Riley Guide, the free online guide to using the Internet for job searches:

1. Look for targeted websites, focused on one audience such as the 50-plus worker or one profession or one geographic area. They are smaller and more likely to have something that meets your particular skills, qualifications and personal requirements.

2. Generally, you should not have to pay for job listings or to post your resumé online. Some sites do offer services like resumé reviews or career coaching that have fees, but the basic service—job listings and a little advice—should be free.

3. Know who you’re working with. If there isn’t any real information under the About Us or Contact Us links (like a name, address and phone number), don’t use the site. Real businesses have no problem giving you their names and contact information.

4. Explore a variety of sources. No one career website is the best or only tool you need to find a job. As job seeker Warren Cannon says, “If you’re interested in getting another job, you’ve got to work on it.”

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