Finding the best job search sites is an unenviable task, to say the least. Thousands of them exist in the online world. Many people spend so much energy finding the right job search site that they have none left for actually applying for the job. Again, they start digging for information but they are then met with walls of text that constantly contradicts other sources. It can quickly become a nightmare!  

Information overload is very real and it’s one of the biggest downsides of the internet. So this guide is going to lay out some of the most important tips for using sites for searching jobs in a clear and concise manner. Breaking things down in an easy and digestible format will allow you to fine-tune a strategy that will help you push through the process.  

7 Points to Remember When Using Job Search Sites

Tip #1: Make Yourself an Obvious Fit for the Job 

Finding a website for jobs is not enough. You have to ensure that your resume stands out in a crowd. So that’s what you’re doing here. Let’s look at the process real quick though.  

When a company receives a resume, they put it through a screening system that is usually automated. This uses specific criteria to filter out applications. So a large number of resumes will never even make it in front of human eyeballs!  

What this process tells you is that keywords are going to be important. It doesn’t have to be technical, but your resume must accurately reflect the job and/or company you are submitting an application to. This means that you need to fill out your job application and resume with that specific job in mind. That way, the automated system doesn’t immediately dismiss it.  

Then the first set of eyeballs that will review the application is going to be a lower-level employee. This individual won’t understand any of the small details of the specific job. They are just weeding out the unprofessional and/or unqualified applicants.  

The point here is to study the job description and the company carefully and fill out your resume based on details related to that specific job posting. Showcase strengths that directly relate. Prove that you are a good fit for that job.  

Tip #2: You Have to be on LinkedIn 

If you are applying for a job in the IT industry, you must be on LinkedIn. This isn’t an optional tip. It’s a requirement. If you do not have a fully developed profile on LinkedIn, then companies will pretend you don’t even exist. 90% of job recruiters use this platform as a primary search tool.  

Professionals need to be on LinkedIn and have their profile filled out with information. This is probably one of the most important tips to using sites for searching for jobs. Think about it like this. If a recruiter were reading your application and decided to check LinkedIn and your profile is either incomplete or not there, they will move on.  

LinkedIn is the ultimate social media site for professionals so you will need to make sure you have it set up before you even think about applying for a high-end job in the IT industry.   

Tip #3: Ensure your Resume and Application are Branded Correctly 

In the professional world, branding refers to presenting a person or company in a distinctive, recognizable way. Job applicants will need to focus on personal branding. I cannot emphasize the importance of creating a personal brand enough! It’s the difference between you begging for jobs and companies begging you to work for them.  

Branding starts with your online presence and oozes through to your resume. In the IT Industry, having an achievement-based resume provides a quantifiable look at why you’re a great fit for the job. So use it to make yourself an obvious fit. Just be sure that your resume matches your LinkedIn profile because chances are that they will be compared.  

Put an emphasis on personal branding and remember that building a brand doesn’t stop once you have a job. It’s a lifelong process.  

Tip #4: Fortune is In the Follow-Up 

This is an old business adage that applies to job applicants as well. If you apply to a job, then following up is always the best practice. Today’s high-tech world makes it easy for you to keep track of your applications so that you know the exact details of the job when you are called by a manager. This helps you make a good first impression when speaking with them.  

Also, it’s a good idea to contact the company in question with a friendly email or other non-invasive communication media if you haven’t heard from them in a few weeks. A lot of the time you won’t get a clear response but sometimes they might explain why you were not selected. This information is valuable when applying to future jobs.  

Tip #5: All Responses Must be Free of Errors 

It’s easy to put so much emphasis on the application itself that you forget about making sure all of the follow-ups are error-free. Any communication between you and the hiring manager should be proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. You simply cannot afford to get this wrong. One small mistake could be the difference between getting an interview and not getting a further message.  

Also, your responses must match the information on your application but this shouldn’t be an issue if your application and resume are accurate. There are some jobs, especially in the IT industry, that will have pre-employment tests to test your skill set. It’s essential that the information you provide is free of mistakes.  

Tip #6: Thoroughly Research the Company 

Job applicants are hit or miss in this area. Some of them do research on the job but neglect the company, which is a mistake. While understanding the job requirements is important, understanding the company you are applying to is equally important. You have to be a good fit for their mission and their vision.  

Let’s look at this from a job recruiter’s point of view. They are quickly going through dozens of applications. Each application has a resume attached to it. What are they going to scan for? I guarantee they are not reading every line of every application at this stage. They are looking for summaries. Those that read as though the applicant understands the company culture and the role they would play if they got the job are going to stand out.  

Tip #7: Use a Unique Professional LinkedIn URL 

When you are setting up your LinkedIn profile, it’s going to assign you a link that contains a random string of numbers and letters. However, you can customize this link. As someone applying for a job in the IT industry, you must change this link. If you can’t do this one simple tech-savvy thing, then how could a company trust you with their important tech-related tasks?  

Simply click the Edit Profile button on your LinkedIn profile and create a unique URL. Include your name and career field. This one simple step is missed by so many job applicants and it’s so simple.  

Are Job Search Sites Worth It? 

There are a lot of opportunities out there for individuals looking for jobs in the IT industry. Most companies are taking their job application process online because it’s much more affordable and easier to manage. Job search sites centralize this entire process in a way that makes it easier on both sides. However, that makes it more important than ever for applicants to be able to stand out in a crowd. The key is to find the best job search websites and then make sure your application and resume are catered for that specific job.