Virtual Career Center

Job Search Tools: Web Job Search Tips

• The Internet is a great research tool for companies, careers, salary information and job leads.
• Knowing your targeted positions and companies can better focus your Internet search.
• Keep work and job search Internet time separate. Set up a non-work e-mail account. The Alumni Association offers free, Web-based e-mail at www.uicalumni.org, www.uisalumni.org, and www.illinoisalumni.org
• Think before you write your e-mail. Knowing your ultimate goal will help clarify your message.
• Proofread any e-mail you send. Check spelling and grammar.
• Be clear, concise and professional regarding screen names, subject lines and e-mail content.
• The focus of your resume should be on keywords, accomplishments and results that match your targeted industry/position.
• Realize that you do not have as much control over formatting when using e-mail, HTML or a text-only resume. The look and length of your text resume depends on the browser the reader is using.
• For the sake of confidentiality, some people choose to list only their names and e-mail addresses as contact information and may substitute a description for the name of the companies for which they have worked.
• Prioritize your time and get out from behind the computer and network.

How can the Alumni Career Center help me develop a job search strategy that includes Internet tools?

• Professional Development Workshops — Staff regularly host workshops instructing how best to incorporate the Internet into your job search. Fees for individual workshops are $25 and all workshops are offered at no additional charge as a feature of the Alumni Career Center's Comprehensive Service Package. See the calendar at www.uiaa.org/calendar for details.
  
  
• Lou Liay Career Library — The on-site career library has computers that alumni can use to work on the Internet, resumes and cover letters.
  
  

• Electronic Resume Revolution, Second Edition by Joyce Lain Kennedy and Thomas J. Morrow
  
  
• The Guide to Internet Job Searching by Margaret Riley and Frances Roehm
  
  
• Using the Internet in your Job Search by Fred E. Jandt and Mary B. Nemich
  
  

• For Web links to job boards, salary information and company descriptions, browse the suggested Web sites in the Job Search Tools section
  
  
• The Job Hunter's Bible: What Color Is Your Parachute? — Richard Bolles presents links to resume, cover letter, networking and research sites, as well as advice on expectations and reality.
  www.jobhuntersbible.com
  
  
• The Riley Guide — guidance from preparation to conclusion of your job search, with links to hundreds of sites for more help.
  www.rileyguide.com

Can't find the resources you are looking for? Have questions about the Alumni Career Center services? University of Illinois alumni can ask our career experts for help with job searching and career questions.