Job online searching has completely changed how we look for work. Gone are the days of flipping through newspaper vacancy pages. Now, finding a new career is as simple as heading online. With job boards, apps, and professional platforms like LinkedIn, you can tailor your search, set alerts, and even apply with a few clicks. Tools like filters and AI suggestions make finding the right online job quicker and easier. Networking has also become key, connecting job seekers with employers and opportunities in ways that weren’t possible before. The online job search is now faster, smarter, and more efficient.
Internet job boards have evolved, as have the techniques required to make the most of them. No one wants to spend hours job hunting, and in this post, I’ll uncover some surprisingly simple tips for making a job hunt quick, effective and – most importantly of all – enjoyable.
Find your USP
Businesses are always searching for a unique selling point, or ‘USP’. You should do the same. Employers will have their attention drawn to potential employees who offer that little bit more.
Perhaps you’ve got a particularly interesting qualification relating to the industry within which you’d like to work. Maybe you enjoyed five minutes of fame in the local paper a few months back. Whatever it is, add it to your CV – it’ll stand out.
Hit social media
If you have a defined idea of the industry you want to work in, start your research on social media. Hunt out influencers in that arena and get involved in discussions on hot topics in the sector. The more connections you make and the more of a noise you make online, the more you’ll get noticed by potential employers.
Search within your niche
You can save a significant amount of time when searching for a job online by focusing on job boards that are tailored specifically to your industry. These niche platforms often provide a more targeted experience, connecting you directly with opportunities that align with your skills and expertise. The same principle applies to the level of pay or job role you’re pursuing. For instance, if you’re a director or executive seeking a high-profile position, it’s far more effective to concentrate on specialized sites that cater to this audience, such as Exec Appointments.
Write a candidate profile
Many online job search sites will ask candidates to fill out a candidate profile. This is usually just a few sentences covering your qualifications, interests and personal strengths. Spend some time writing something which highlights your strengths, save it and call it up whenever requested; that way, you’ll save time rewriting the same candidate profile each time!
Sign up for RSS feeds and job alerts
Most online job boards will offer a sign up service whereby they send you automated alerts when new jobs matching your criteria are posted. Some will also have RSS feeds, so signing up to a free service such as feedly.com to keep track of the various boards on which you’re job hunting is a great tactic.
Filter, filter, filter
When searching for a job online, use the website’s filtering tools extensively. By narrowing your search to very specific requirements (salary, location, responsibilities, keywords, etc), you’ll save a huge amount of time trawling through jobs you have no interest in.
Finding a job online can actually be rewarding and even fun. By focusing on industry-specific job boards and targeted platforms, you can avoid wasting time on irrelevant listings and hone in on roles that genuinely match your goals. This approach makes the process feel less overwhelming and more exciting, keeping you motivated as you work toward landing your dream job.