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Tips For Choosing an Effective Job Search Site

There are loads of online job search sites available. The key to successful job hunting is to know the right sites to apply in. Short listing the effective job search websites is an important exercise which most of us under value. Uploading your resume anywhere and everywhere is not going to help. You don’t want to make an online presence; you want to get jobs matching your criteria. And targeting them through the right websites is the first step.

Here are a few pointers you should keep in mind while choosing an effective job search site.

1. Give importance to the site popularity. Register yourself with not just the top ranking but also the fastest growing job search portal. The higher the traffic, the more you are going to get noticed.

2. Choose an integrated job search site which gathers postings from various job search engines and company websites. You can get all information in one place and hence save time and energy.

3. Give importance to the resume uploading facility. Ensure that the process is easy, instant and safe.

4. Lay emphasis on the search process. Does it allow you to search jobs via various parameters such as industry, location, years of experience, level of job etc? Ensure that the job search process is easy and precise.

5. Check the site not just as a job seeker but also as a recruiter. After all, it’s the recruiters you need to appeal to. It is important to judge the appeal of the job search site to the recruiters also.

6. Check how often companies are posting job requirements. Any good website would always mention the job posting date, so that you do not waste time applying for a job posted months earlier. The relevancy and the frequency of updating jobs are important criterion.

7. Give preference to sites with greater interactivity. Look out for blogs, forums or other interactive platforms within the job search website.

8. Check out for tools offered by the site enabling better management of your search. These may include flagging off, getting job alerts and notifications, facility for easy and fast uploading of resumes and simpler management console.

9. Check if the job search site offers something extra. That is, it goes beyond the actual services of recruitment. These may include stuff like company reviews and online networking platforms.

10. Check for privacy and safety of the job site. You definitely do not want to take any risks. Ensure that they are not using your email id to spam. Always read the privacy policy before short listing the search website.

Ensure that you check on the above factors before you short list the job search sites to register with. The site should satisfy the basic criteria of convenience, accessibility, easy management, interactivity, safety and other add on benefits.

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Recession Proof Jobs – Keep This List in Mind While Searching For Jobs

The statistics of people loosing their jobs because of the economic recession in the last few months is unbelievable. Recession, which put the entire wheel of economic slowdown in motion, has affected not just the big countries such as U.S.A, but has had a ripple effect world over. Experts say that this is just the beginning of the global recession and the worst is yet to come.

India has also been affected by the global recession. Thousands of Indians, whether they were employed abroad or at the home country, have lost their jobs with hardly any notice or compensation.
Though they are gathering up and finding new job avenues, they are definitely more cautious this time with their job search than ever before.

The job search sector has suddenly seen a boom in the number of people searching for jobs. The online job sites has more and more visitors. Employees all over are trying to secure their career and future. The biggest challenge is to find a job which is relatively more secure and would be affected the least by recession.

The good news is that there are actually sectors which are recession proof. Here is a list of recession proof jobs, recommended by international experts.

List of recession proof jobs and sectors

1. Health Care – Health care is one sector which will never shrink, no matter what the economic conditions are. Hence, it is number one in the recession proof job list.

2. Education – Another important sector which is least likely to slowdown. In fact, the more tough the economic conditions, more is the competition and hence more the value of education qualifications. So, if you can grab a career in Education field, as a professor or researcher, you are relatively much more safe.

3. Environmental Areas – With the world ecology suffering year after year and people getting more and more environmental conscious, any job related to the environment upliftment will only gain importance.

4. Security – The crime rate is not depended on economics. In fact, there is a tendency for it to rise during difficult economic times and recession. Thus, need for security personal, police officers, airport and sea port security, trained security for corporates and housing complexes shall always be in demand.

5. Business promotional activities – With the slump, business owners world over are accelerating their promotional activities. The demand for business analysts, aggressive sale executives, business consultants is higher than ever before. Everybody is looking for new innovative ideas to keep their business going and make higher profits. If you can fit the role, you have a bright future.

6. Accounting – Another section which is recession proof. The need to manage and update accounts for any business, large or small, is mandatory, irrespective of recession or not. In tough economic times, the regulations are enforced aggressively and books of accounts are checked in detail to avoid any possibility of a scam.

7. Software design and development – Every business now has an online channel. In fact, I know of paan walas and even small sweet shops having a website where customers can buy online! The reach of the online medium is phenomenal. And in current times, every business is utilizing this medium aggressively.

8. Content Writers – Just having a website hosted is not enough. It is important to get enough response through it. And this is where content comes into play. Moreover, it is also very important to that the site is Search Engine Optimized. SEO (search engine optimization) and SMO (Social Media Optimization) are gaining importance, and hence Content writing, SEO and SMO activities are one of the the top recession proof jobs.

When you are searching for a job, see if you can grab one in the above sectors.

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5 Pitfalls to Avoid While Searching Jobs Online

Most of us believe that once we have uploaded our resume on the top online job search sites, the work is done. In fact, it is just the opposite. The process has just begun!

Just enrolling yourself in a job site is not sufficient. There are many other factors that come into play for achieving the best results. Here are the most common pitfalls one should avoid while searching for a job online.

Not having a strategy – Just submitting your resume’s soft copy would not do. You need to have a strategy, a clear picture of what you actually want and how you will go about it. Know exactly what you are looking for. Know the essentials required for the job and ensure you have them. If you have a generic cover note which you are going to use for every application, it might not prove that effective. Tweak the cover notes to make it suitable for a particular job.

Avoiding usage of ‘job jargon’ – Most applicants I know tend to avoid the so called ‘jargon’ in their resume or profile. But what they fail to realize is that in most cases, there is a software that is skimming the resumes for basic job keywords. Even when there is a human, he is ’searching’ using certain job keywords. These keywords are more jargon centric. If your copy does not have these, they would automatically get filtered out. Do stick to the job jargon to be filtered in!

Apply randomly – Another big mistake is to apply for a job everywhere. There is a myth that applying everywhere randomly would provide more visibility and increases the chances of getting a job. Wrong. In fact, it will only make you loose credibility.

Check on your job search only once a week or less – You have applied online, or submitted your resume online and you sit back. You need to be proactive. Keep a tab on each application, follow up aggressively, check your mails everyday so that you do not miss out on any opportunity.

Human networking is not required – Nearly 75% of people I have interacted with believe that if they are going the online way, they can easily evade human networking. But the fact is, that networking is important even then! Look out for any one known in the company you have applied in. Try getting in touch personally with the person who is going to make the decision. Give him a call, write in a mail, let there be a personal touch. Ensure you have a good online and offline networking through communities etc. It always helps.

It is important to realize that applying for jobs online is not the end, but the beginning of the process. After all, you want to land up in a job which you like and which meets most of your parameters and sustain it too…

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Searching For a Job During ‘Recession’

Economic recession is hitting world over, impacting the job market tremendously and churning millions out of jobs. You might be seeing the statistics over news, but it actually hits you hard when your own friends are suddenly jobless… and even harder when you see a threat to your own!

Although I myself am not an employee, almost all my friends and relatives are. The job insecurity has hit even those in high respectable positions. A considerable number have actually lost their jobs and are facing the bitter effects of the recession setting in world over. Even if they are actually not jobless, people are now more aggressively looking for alternatives and back ups.

When you are searching for a job, especially during this economic downturn due to recession, you need to be more alert and smart. Here are a few points to keep in mind.

Recession Proof Jobs – While searching for jobs, lay more emphasis on ones that are not going to get affected (or at least not as badly as others) by recession. There are fields like health care, education, food services, security, energy sector and environmental sector whose growth actually won’t be dampened. Try sticking to these recession proof jobs for higher job security.

Research the Company – Research well about the company you plan to apply for. Go through their financials, read up about them, ask experts… Basically keep a close watch. Study the company well for its soundness and steadiness. Its no guarantee that you will be 100% safe, but take measures to minimize the risks as much as possible.

Be aggressive – Be it searching for jobs, preparing for interviews or follow ups, be aggressive. Remember that there are many others jobless too. Be alert, subscribe to online job sites, check them regularly, be ready with cover notes, respond immediately and follow up frequently.

Polish your brand – In these hard times of recession, it becomes more important to sell yourself as a brand. Polish your brand, show off all your strengths and achievements, get all your recommendation letters together. It is important that you sell yourself smartly. Rather than just talking about your strengths, talk about how you can be an asset to them. Shift the focus to how does ‘you’ profit them?

Tread the alternatives – It is not necessary to follow the same path you have been on for years. Figure out alternatives, maybe you have a hobby which you can pursue and which can also add to you wallet. Also, you may take up small time or part time jobs until you find a suitable full time career. It might give you and opportunity to explore yourself better. Plus, it would add weight to your resume as well as your bank balance. Be innovative and don’t be afraid to try out new ideas.

Go high on social networking – network, network, network, be it online or offline. Attend seminars, social get-togethers, connect with like minded people, offline and online, join communities online etc. The more powerful your network, the more it will help you.

And lastly, do not let the talks on recession dampen your spirits. Don’t let all the hype on downturn economy freak you out. Be calm, take the challenge sportingly, just work a little smarter and you would realize its not that difficult a scene. Have a positive outlook and things will work out just fine.

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Online Job Search Sites Vs Job Recruitment Agencies

Searching a perfect job can be quite tricky. The first step is to choose the right channel to find one. There are various options – from traditional recruitment and placement firms to savvy online job sites. Before the online job search boom, recruitment agencies ruled the scene. However, with changing times and innovation, job web sites mushroomed and metamorphed. Providing more convenience and flexibility, it soon became the preferred channel for many.

I still know a lot of people who prefer the traditional job search method through placement and recruitment agencies, where you submit your resume and other details, they find you jobs as per your requirements and fix up interviews for you with various companies. They usually charge a flat fee or a fixed commission once you get a job.

I don’t say there’s anything wrong with this. After all, its all a personal choice. But searching your job online can be much more effective and convenient. You can manage your own portfolio, without depending on anyone else. Almost all job sites allow you to register for free.

With the online concept catching fast even in the recruitment scene, there are hardly any companies or organizations who do not post their requirements on these sites. So, you have direct access to jobs available across the country at your fingertips.

The job sites are striving to provide innovative tools to ensure more comfort to their visitors. Tools such as flagging off, searching through categories, saving your job searches, online resume helper, email and SMS alerts etc have made managing your job hunt extremely organized. Plus, its online, so you can access it anytime from anywhere!

There are portals which integrate the job listings from best job sites and companies directly. Hence, you get information from hundreds of sites in one website only. Whats more? Certain sites also provide reviews from employees of the companies, hence, you get the true inside story and can compare various organizations’ work culture as well as salaries.

Besides, you save on the money that you would otherwise pay the recruitment firms as fees or commission. Why would you unnecessarily want a middle man when you can handle everything yourself and have total control over it too? For all you know, the placement agencies are actually searching these very sites to prepare the prospective job list for you!

So take control over your own job hunt, as you are the best judge for yourself. Enroll yourself with the best job search engines and free job posting sites. In fact, check out integrated job portal s which actually crawl through various other job search web sites and companies career pages, and provides integrated information at one place.

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Searching For Jobs Online? 7 Valuable Tips You Must Keep in Mind

Have you ever faced a situation where you search for jobs online but the results are not satisfactory? I have lots of people coming in with two basic problems about online job search – 1. The search results are irrelevant, or 2. They find it difficult to get a proper response to the jobs they have applied online.

This article is not just for people falling into these two categories but for anybody who is searching for jobs through online engines. Here are the basic things you need to keep in mind.

1. Know your needs clearly and prioritize them – This might sound really simple, but in reality, most people are not clear in this very first step. Be very sure about the job you want to get into, location of work, pay package, responsibilities you can handle, hours of work etc. Also, prioritize your needs. You might not get everything you want in your dream job. You might have to compromise on something. Know what you are ready to compromise on.

2. Use the most appropriate search terms – The terms you use to search jobs online are extremely important. Choose the most appropriate terms that encompasses your job requirements effectively. For example, if you are looking for content project online, type ‘Freelance online content’ or ‘content writing online’ rather than ‘writing’ or ‘copy writing’ or ‘journalism’. This would help you narrow down your job search as per your specifications.

3. Be honest – All good job sites and job search engines always ask for basic information when you register with them. Ensure that you are totally honest while filling this in. Although this might not affect the search much, but it definitely will affect you in closing the deal or sustaining that job.

4. Be prepared with your resume and cover notes – Ensure that your resume is updated. Also, keep skeleton copies of cover notes, which you can tweak and use the moment you find a good job opportunity.

5. Be smart on the site you visit – Rather than visiting various job search engines, visit a site that incorporates all of them. Choose a site that crawls through various job portals and company websites and encompasses the information on their site. Simplify your job search process by visiting just one reliable portal and save precious time on searching as well as managing your job hunt.

6. Flag off – If you find anything that suits you even remotely, flag it immediately. All good sites have a provision for flagging or adding to the cart. You can later skim through and choose from the various options.

7. Importance of your contact information – Always give a contact number where you would be accessible all the time. Give your cell number instead of land line number. Provide an Email address that you would access regularly. In fact, it is wise to create one only for your job search process.

Follow these basic steps and see the change in the quality of your job search results. After all, the job sites are mere search engines and would provide data based on the requirement you fill in. If you fill in the correct job search terms and are absolutely clear of what you’re looking for, nothing can keep you away from your dream job.

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Been Busy with a Lot of Changes

I must apologize for not being able to update the blog. I have been really busy with updating faayda.com and doing a lot of changes.

To start with, we have upgraded servers; faayda.com has gained a lot of momentum in the last couple months and to cope up with the increasing traffic and providing uninterrupted fast service to all our users we have moved to a better server.

Over the past few months we have been getting a lot of requests for resume upload feature from job seekers and I am happy to announce that we are in the final testing phase of our Resume Builder service and I hope to launch it in the next 10 days.

Stay tuned!

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Post Bulk Jobs

Update 23rd March 09: Bulk job posting is now live! please visit http://www.faayda.com/includejobs.php to upload your jobs.

The sample feed link is also on that page, you would need to make your feed exactly like that or else our system will reject your feed. Keep in mind that we will only list jobs opening in India and therefore do not include other countries jobs in the feed. We have give you an option to auto collect your feed every few days (which you can choose), this means that faayda.com will crawl your feed url after a specified time looking for new jobs and if we find new jobs, we will pick them up.

You will need to submit your feed only once thereafter it will be automatic. If you have questions about the feed, please contact support@faayda.com

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Have more than a few jobs to post everyday? Want to do it automatically? We will soon launch our XML job upload module where you will have the ability to post jobs directly to faayda.com with you XML feed.

Watch out for this space!

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Wish you a very Happy Holi!

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Interview published on startups.in

Read my interview with Nikhil Peter of Startups.in

“It’s really awesome the way the Internet scene is developing in India. My advice to upcoming talent would be to just go for it. Don’t waste time thinking about it… make it happen and then innovate. Use your own money to fund your startup and if you don’t have any, then beg or borrow from family and friends.”

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