How To Use Monster.com During Your Job Search

Using the right tools in finding a job is a must, especially today, where job opportunities are scarce because of the crumbling economy. The internet is a vital tool in looking for a job, and websites such as Monster.com are especially useful.

1. Creating Your Account/Resume. Creating an account is simple and easy, though it may take a while. On the monster.com homepage, click the “looking for a job” button. This will take you to the page where you can login using your account. If you don’t have an account yet, click on the “not a member yet?” button, which will direct you to the account creation page.
   1. The next step will have you filling in personal and contact details. Here, you are also asked to fill in fields relevant to your professional experience. You can enter your job experience if you have any, educational background, and skills that are useful in the field you are in.
   2. After entering personal information, you can choose to open your resume for public consumption. This is useful in finding potential employers, because they can check on your resume at any time. You can build your resume online through the site by filling in the forms for various details (current employment, experience, educational attainment).
   3. You can also post multiple resumes, and you can customize each resume for a specific type of industry or job trait. This improves the chances that your resume will appear in a search. You can also choose the option “keep your job search secret”, in case you don’t want your current employer to know that you are looking for a new job. After you’ve completed this step, you can now search for jobs through the site.
2. Finding Jobs. You can choose jobs by title or state in the job search tab. This will narrow down the jobs that you search for according to your preferences, and this will improve your chances in finding a job that is appropriate for you. You can refine your job search further by job posting date, career level, years of experience and education level.  The listings here are submitted by either direct company employers or employment agencies.
   1. Pay particular attention on the application process to the position you are interested in. A handy feature of monster.com is that it saves the searches you’ve made, making it easy for you to browse through the list at a later time. You can also save jobs, in case you decide to apply for them at a later date.
   2. Another beneficial feature of Monster.com is the availability of numerous career tools and advice. They can help you with topics such as interview techniques, salary negotiations, investing, and advancing one’s career. There are also career mapping/planning devices and guides for those who need help in growth in their career. The community message boards, meanwhile, are a good place to interact with other job seekers. You can use this to compare job search experiences and tips.

If you’re seeking career growth, Monster.com is one good resource to visit, whether you’re looking for a new job, looking for career advice, or networking with other people who might be able to help you land that dream job.