Question

STRETCH
Looking for a Job
Employment Preparation: Careers

You're ready to start a career. So how do you begin to look for a job?

Where Should You Look?

The traditional way was to look at newspaper ads. But today, many job openings are listed on Internet job boards. Monster.com is an example. Here, job seekers can learn about job openings and find out how to apply.

Still, answering an ad on a job board is not the fastest way to get a job. For every job listing, there can be many people applying. There is a lot of competition. It reduces the chances that you will get the job.

Luckily, there are other things you can do to get a job. One thing you can do is use a social networking Web site. LinkedIn is one. On LinkedIn, you can list your job experience. You can connect with people in your field. By using a site like this, you let companies know that you are out there. They can see if you possess the skills and experience that they need.

Using LinkedIn is one form of career-building called networking. Networking is a way of connecting with people who may be able to help you develop your career. These may be friends, neighbors, and coworkers. They could be people on the social networking sites. Keep people in your network informed of your job search. They may know people who may be interested in hiring you. Studies show that networking is more likely to lead to a job than answering job postings.

Job boards can play a role in your search, too. First, find job sites where you can post your résumé. This way, your career history will be available to people who are hiring. Second, sign up to receive e-mails about job openings that match what you're searching for. This will save you time. Third, see whether job descriptions list the name of any job recruiters. Companies use recruiters to find people to fill open positions. If you see one listed in a job posting, you can try to connect with him or her on LinkedIn. If a recruiter knows you, he or she may let you know about jobs.

As you search job boards, look for companies that interest you. Look up those companies. Check out their Web sites. This can help you find out more about their goals and philosophies. Do you share them? If so, keep an eye on those companies. Most company Web sites have a section called "Careers" or "Employment." That's where they list their job openings. Check these regularly.

Keep an open mind as you put together your list of companies. Ask yourself, "Which companies would need someone with my skills?"

Should You Apply?

Suppose you see an ad for a job that you'd love to have, but you don't think that you're fully qualified. Maybe the company is looking for someone with 10 years of experience and you have only 8 years. Perhaps the ad asks for someone who knows a type of software, and you don't know it very well. Should you still apply?

Think about this: Most people don't meet every requirement listed in a job description. Therefore, you may wish to apply. So what if you nearly meet the requirements of the job? Tailor your résumé and cover letter to point out the strengths you would bring to the job.

If you don't come close to meeting the requirements of a job, it may not be worth your while to apply. Still, you might want to send a letter and résumé to the company. You can say that you're interested in working there. This will let the company know that you are out there.

Looking for a job is a multi-step process. It can be a full-time job in itself! But making the effort to let people know about your qualifications can make it easier to find a job.

Video Transcript: Job Searching 101

Question 1


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There is a large, empty rectangle. Above the rectangle, it says Main Idea of the Article. Under the rectangle, there are three smaller boxes with arrows pointing up to the rectangle. Each small box includes a detail from the Article. The first box on the left says Look for job openings on Internet job boards. The box in the middle says Use social networking sites to connect with people in your field. The box on the right says Post your résumé on job sites.

Based on the article, which fits best in the empty box above?


Look up the Web sites of companies that interest you.
LinkedIn is a social networking site that helps people find jobs.
Use the Internet to help in your search for a job.
Using Monster.com is one way to look for a job in your field.

Answers

Answered by GPT-5 mini
Use the Internet to help in your search for a job.

(That main idea covers using job boards, social networking sites like LinkedIn, and posting your résumé online.)
There are no human answers yet. A form for humans to post answers is coming very soon!

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