How to Search for jobs online

How to Search for jobs online by Michael Cheary Effective jobseeking is often a question of using the right tools for the job.One of the most effective of these is undoubtedly the job search. However, whether you’re an experienced jobseeker or you’ve never used a job search before, making sure you’re using the search function as effectively as possible can be a challenge. Especially when you’re not aware of what all the options are.Here’s a brief guide on how to search for jobs, and some of our top tips to make sure your results are as relevant as possible.1.  Search by keywordsThe most popular way of searching for the majority of jobs is by using keywords.Keyword searching allows you to tailor your search, giving you greater control over the results.You can choose to search by job title, qualifications, perks, or any other word or phrase you wish to see anywhere within the job description.Our top tip: Combine words and phrases with AND, OR, NOT, “speech marks” and (brackets), to limit, wide n and define your search more precisely, allowing you to find exactly what you’re looking for.For example, if you’re searching for Accounting Assistant roles, but you would also consider something in bookkeeping, searching “Accounting Assistant” OR “Bookkeeper” would return results for both job titles.2.  Search by job title onlySearching by keywords is a great place to find specific words, however, your results will generally also include whether the term is mentioned anywhere within the entirety of the job description.If you’re looking for a specific job title, most job boards allow you to choose this as an option. So if you simply want to find all Accounting Assistant jobs, for example, you can.Our top tip: If searching solely on job title, be careful not to limit yourself to one term. A Sales Assistant job, for example, could be referred to in a number of different ways, so include all examples to bring back the best results.3.  Search by filtersAside from keywords , you may choose to filter your results to find the right roles.Filters include narrowing your search by important variables such as salary range, preferred location and industry. For example, if you only want to search for vacancies within 10 miles of where you live, and that pays a minimum amount, it’s possible, thus enabling you to avoid any issues relating to desired salary and potential commute further along in the process.Our top tip: If you’re not happy with your results but don’t mind commuting, try widening your location incrementally to improve your search. Most sites will set a default distance to each search, which may be limiting the roles on offer.4. Search by locationIf you’re looking for jobs in a specific location, make sure to include this in your search.The more specific you are with location, the better. So whether you want to work within a particular city, or stay close to home in a smaller area, the more you can pinpoint where you want to be, the more c hances you have of finding a job that matches your main criteria.Our top tip: To make sure the job is within a commutable distance, put your own postcode into the search. You can then use filters to widen or narrow the distance to your home.5. Search by sectorIf you’re looking for a job in a particular industry but you’re not sure where to start, searching by sectors is a great way to see what’s available.Once you’ve selected your chosen sector you will generally be given a list of potential job titles, and be able to see the number of available vacancies listed under this title.Our top tip: Sectors are a good place to start, but don’t become over reliant on them. Some companies list roles based on their own industry, and some job titles could be applicable in a number of different professions, meaning you may miss out on a role that’s right for you.6. Search by most recentTo save time spent reading through the same roles, change your search parameter to order results by date posted.So, instead of seeing the most relevant jobs to your search, you can see the most recent vacancies first, something which will be particularly time effective if you’re searching on a regular basis.Our top tip: Make a note of the most recent job you see. That way the next time you search you can quickly skip to the last role you’d viewed, and begin to work your way through all the ones you haven’t.7. Use saved search and email alertsFinally, once you’re happy with your search and think the results are relevant to what you’re looking for, save the details.This will not only save time filling in all the details every time you search, but the data can then be used to set up ‘search alerts’. So even if you haven’t got time to look during the day, all similar jobs will be sent directly to your inbox, meaning you never miss out on an opportunity again.Our top tip: Remember you can name each of your saved searches â€" meaning you can quickly identify which one i s which when it is delivered to your email inbox