Job search sites and automated job search agents can be great resources for job seekers when the right keywords are used in the search criteria.
It takes a bit of patience to get it right, but most job seekers find that keyword research provides a much-needed reality check, helps them understand the electronic job market, and provides the "keyword ammunition" they need to optimize their resume.
Unfortunately, most job seekers don't research their job targets at all – and the ones who do are inclined to rush through the process. Regardless of the reason, when job seekers don't use the right keywords to search for jobs (or set-up automated search agents) they are likely to get lots of non-relevant leads.
If your first search has been unfruitful, try searching again using the tips below until you get the highest percentage of good matches. In other words, search with various combinations of job titles, job functions, and technical skills until you find the mix that produces the most desirable job leads.
Every system is unique and each search agent has its own search methodology, but in general, the best results are obtained by using a specific title (sales manager) or job function (sales management) and a few industry or technical keywords (pharmaceutical, high-tech, industrial sales). In addition, if you are interested in different job targets / types of jobs you should do a separate search for each area of interest.
Optimize Your Matches
If your initial keyword search doesn't produce the "right" jobs (or enough matches), try these suggestions:
- Try different forms of keywords: For example, search for management instead of manager, TQM instead of Total Quality Management, marketing and communications instead of marcom.
- Make your search criteria less specific: For example, try Sales instead of Sales Representative or Sales Executive.Or, use fewer keywords.
- Try searching a broader geographic area: For example, try searching for jobs in Oregon instead of Portland, Oregon.
- Try a different day or time: Some job sites are updated every hour!
- Try a different search site: Popular Job Search Sites. Most large career sites have automated job search functions, and because each has their own "search" criteria, some sites appear to work better for certain kinds of searches.
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