Job seekers should mind Internet manners

Many online job ads simply don’t represent real jobs. Because of cheaper Internet advertising, companies are trolling for information that will give any competitive advantage. Those who have figured it out use that leverage to gain information about the employment market.

An Internet aggregator may be collecting your information for other marketing purposes. What you are willing to say about yourself in a resume that you submit over the Internet? Ever ask yourself why companies want to know what you are being paid in your current job?

And if your resume actually goes to a real employer, keywords may be the only part that is ‘seen’ and then by a software robot using keywords to cut the list of candidates. The odds are that without the most effective keywords, your resume will never rise to the level of even being considered.

And now you know why your job application was never even acknowledged.

Today, job applications must have a customized resume, detailing your qualifications for the position you want. Your name will be searched and if you are active on social media sites, what you have posted will be considered against the information you have provided in your resume.

You may be your own worst enemy if your online behavior and digital track record fails to reinforce the image you are projecting in your resume.

Assuming the job exists, employers prefer someone who is doing the work for which the advertisement is offered. Employers want your skill set, your experience completing tasks, and the results you are creating for others.

Times are a’changing every day and social media is playing an increasing part in that change. Finding a better job is hard work and finding a job to replace one you may have lost is even more challenging.

Mark Anderson

St. Charles