ncyoung.com
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Note: This is an article I wrote in 2000. I haven't been doing a lot of online searches lately so I can't meaningfully update it at this time. Much of it should still be relevant.
Finding Jobs on the Internet | I have been using online resources to find work and I'm posting some of my experience here.
I have been approaching the job hunt as an experienced programmer looking for contract work that I can do remotely. If you are doing the same, then this page will probably be quite useful. Many of the ideas I have may apply to other job seekers as well, but I do not have in depth knowledge or good advice about anything that I have no direct experience with.
The abundance of job postings, especially for programmers, would seem to make finding good work as easy as falling off a log. In my experience, it's harder than that, but still worth the energy, especially if contract work suites your temperament.
If you do find this useful, it would give me great satisfaction if you'd email me to let me know.
| Contract Work | I like contract work. I am most productive when I have a project with a clear goal. I can work toward that goal by the hour but I am even more productive when my payment is tied to my deliverables.
I dislike being paid to be on call, or to fill a certain role and go to lots of meetings.
Having a realistic and well defined goal helps me deliver great work. It is even better when the project fits in well with the business that has contracted for it and every party involved can see the value being delivered. Of course this makes for satisfied clients as well.
Not every job that ends up this way starts out this way, and a big part of being a contractor is being able to help a project get to this ideal point or to know when to walk away.
Not everyone enjoys working this way. It can be difficult and risky, and when politics get in the way it can be particularly frustrating.
| Preparation | Resume and Web Page
Put up to date contact information right up front, and include as many contact avenues as you are willing to maintain. Include the text of your email address and your URL (rather than just links) in case the page gets printed out at some point.
Spend some time on your web page so that it gives people a good idea of who you are and what your specialties are. In my opinion the web page supplants the resume almost entirely.
Because people are used to looking at resumes, you have to make one. Not only is my resume created by condensing information from my website, but the first thing on my resume is a link to my site for more complete information. My resume is an HTML file. Since I often attach it to email messages, even when employers specify "ASCII only resume", I put an HTML comment at the top that says that this is an HTML document and to request a text version if necessary.
Not only will your peers be a good source of referrals, some of them might even hire you! So widen your idea of what an "employer" is, and widen the appeal of your website as well.
It seems very important that people who look at your page can start to understand your personality, especially if you will be working remotely. I know I have seen web pages that do this and I would like to do it with my own page.
Contact List
Figure out a way to keep track of applications you have made. Many people use NOW or Outlook. I have an Access database I made for the purpose.
Applying for the same job twice is great, if the second note is a follow up. Otherwise it seems sloppy.
Online Profiles and Logins
Many job search sites allow you to post your resume, or fill out forms to put your skills and information into a database of some sort. Some even require it in order to use the site. Many allow employers to search for you. However much effort you decide to put into these profiles, it is worth keeping track of the login names and passwords for each sites you have used.
| Applying to Jobs | Cover Letters
It's great when you have enough information about a given job to know that you would be happy and qualified doing it. In that case, write a short letter say that you would be happy and qualified to do it, and why you feel that way. Attach your resume.
If you are intrigued, but the posting lacks the info you need to write an intelligent cover letter, write a two line note saying that, and attach your resume.
The only time to send a resume without any note at all is when the job poster was lazy in their posting of the job offer, but the job seems like it could be a good fit.
On the one hand, you want to pay attention to the details of the job offer and respond as specifically as you can. On the other hand, most applications are not going to go anywhere, so you need to be able to apply to a large number of postings efficiently. You need to balance these two facts.
In all cases, apply in the manner requested. If the job site has an application or bidding process, use it unless the poster requests email. If you have an email address or phone number, keep track of them for later use.
Follow Up
Your contact database should allow you to flag some applications for follow up. When you do follow up, use the most direct means of communication you have. Skip posting to the website if you have an email address or phone number. Especially when you have the right skills and enthusiasm for the job, the poster should be happy to hear from you.
| What to Expect | Start Early
In my experience, it can take a month or two before you hear any response at all! From anyone! Be prepared for this!
Apply Often
There are hundreds and thousands of job postings, with new ones every day. If you want it to work, keep applying to job postings until it does. If your get 5% of the jobs you apply to you will be very lucky! Be prepared for this!
Persistence Pays
One of my online applications recently turned into a job worth many thousands of dollars. The client is a joy to work with, and has lots of future work after this project is done. It doesn't take many of these experiences to make all the time and effort worth it.
| Links | Here's a snippet of my bookmarks file that I cleaned up a little. The first group are those that I haven't worked with enough yet to know where to put them or if I want to continue using them or not. The next two sections (profile sites and contract work searches) are the sites I use most. Profile sites are those that require or are enhanced significantly when you create a profile or resume specific to that site. The site listings section are sites that list job search sites (lists of lists). Some are broken down by job type, which is really the most useful. jobs - ************ I haven't tried this first set yet: **********
- Sologig.com | Your Career. Our Connections.
- All Freelance jobs: independent professional : freelancers : freelance : independent contractors : work at home : freelancing : jobs : job : web design jobs : graphic design jobs
- TheShortList.com - Executive Recruiting and Consulting for E-commerce
- www.UBidContract.com
- Linux.com - Jobs - Main
- Welcome to OutSourceit
- Welcome To PortaJobs!
- Nokri.com - The Global Job Connection
- e-itwizards.com: Job Seekers Section
- smarterwork - The Managed Marketplace for Business Services
job search sites - ***** Profile Sites ********
- SkillsVillage.com
- eWork Exchange
- Guru.com | Welcome
- Ants.com Freelance Marketplace - My Account
- StartupNetwork.com - Resumes - The leading online recruitment site dedicated to high tech startups.
- ITmoonlighter.com-Computer jobs for moonlighting programmers & IT pros.
- HireAbility.com - Job Search Results
- Brainhunter.com - Your Web-Enabled Placement Firm
- eLance: The Premier Global Services Marketplace
- Net-Temps Job Seekers Desktop
- ComputerJobs.com - New User Registration
- InstantWork - Results
- ********* contract work searches **********
- craigs list
- View Telecommuting Job Opportunities.
- freelance bbs | gromco
- Contractors Direct - Find a Job
- Jobvertise - The worlds largest FREE jobs board!
- FreeAgent.com
- Jobs For Programmers (employment for developers and programmers)
- Workaholics4Hire.com - Free Telecommuting Jobs Database
- ****** full time employment *********
- dice.com job search engine for full-time & contract computer consulting and programming employment opportunities
- HotJobs.com
- Monster.com
- Welcome to the Job Search Results Page.
site listings - Top Job Boards - Specialty Sites
- JobFACTORY-Top Career Sites including MedSearch America, NACCB Online Job Board and Resume Bank, NationJob Online Jobs Database, Nebraska CareerLink, Net Temps, and many more!
- Career Advancement
- Contract Employment Weekly - Best Site to Find Job Openings and Employment Opportunities for Contractors, Consultants and Temporary Workers in the Engineering and Technical (IT and IS) Industries.
- Brainbench - The Skills Authority
- Yahoo! Business and Economy:Employment and Work:Jobs
- Yahoo! Business and Economy:Employment and Work:Telecommuting
advocacy/resources - GoingWare's Policy on Recruiters
- Software Contractors' Guild; jobs, resumes, programmers, consultants
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Dated: 11/18/2002
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