USING THE INTERNET TO DO RESEARCH

Use off hours to help in your job search as there is an abundance of information that you can use.

If you are unsure of what you want to do, using the Internet can help open your thoughts to jobs and industries that you may not even be aware exist. Think about hobbies and interests you have and use the search engines to find companies and associations that serve those interests.

Use job boards to find out what jobs are open, where they are, who is hiring and what industries have the most opportunities.

Target a company, read the ENTIRE website, read about their open positions. Find out who their competitors are and research them. Learn about what qualifications are important in their job search and how you can position your resume and cover letter to gain an interview. Search to see what articles have been published about the company. Find and read their annual reports.

Research costs of living for the city you choose to live and average starting salaries both for that city in addition to the industry you plan on joining.  There are numerous salary and cost of living calculators available. Again, use the association for the industry you are searching to find pay. A chamber of commerce site can be an excellent source.

Take advantage of your alumnae to learn about careers and opportunities. Most have companies listed with their information so do check out their website prior to contacting them.  Google is a great way to research both companies and individuals.

If you have an interview set up, definitely search the company before your meeting. Many companies will immediately dismiss any candidate who has not taken the time to check their company out prior to the meeting.

Preparation will make you stand out.