One of the most effective elements on the Web is the use of search engines
as the starting point for Internet-based research. By using these search
engines in your job search, you not only increase your power to research
companies you are already aware of, but you will also find companies (and
jobs) that you did not know existed.
First, use the search engines as a research tool to gather more information
about a potential employer you have already identified. My recommendation
is to begin with the Yahoo! site, located at:
Yahoo! is my first search engine
choice because all the listings at their site
are submitted (versus robot detected), and therefore the search results are fewer
and more select than the listings produced by search engines using robots to
scour every known crevice on the Web. Why
is this better? Because it quickly cuts through
the chaff to the key page(s) you are seeking.
This is often where you will find the home
page for the company you are searching for
and any associated pages put up by suppliers
or customers.
Start your search by searching for the company name. And
click through to the listed site(s) for further
information. Keep in mind that many
companies also maintain an up-to-date listing of
jobs at their site, so this provides you with an
excellent tool for finding out about current opportunities. Many companies also
maintain a college page to give further information about their entry
level training program.
After you have gleaned the information you are seeking at the company
site, back up to Yahoo! to expand your search.
First, click on the category line
under which the company name appears. This will expand out to a full listing
of other companies in similar industries or touting a similar product line.
Minimally, it will provide you with a great deal of competitive information.
Maximally, it may direct you to the up-and-comer in the industry, a company
you may not have been aware of otherwise.
Next, use the Google search engine to broaden your search on the company name:
Google is one of the largest general keyword search engines and your search here will produce results for any and every
hit on the company name, which will greatly expand the listings. You will now have access to those companies that have
the company name within either the title, META keyword or description, as well as any page anywhere on the Web that uses
the search word. The results can sometimes be rather daunting (for example, you probably do not want to search Google
for "IBM"), but the results will generate sites that are both employer-sponsored and generic. You will often find a
wealth of information about the company, as well as commentary (both good and bad) about their reputation, product line,
position within the industry, stock price etc. Probably more than you ever wanted to know, but there can be numerous
nuggets of information you can find here that are available nowhere else.
Using this technique will deliver information to you about both target
employers and new employers, further expanding the scope and quality of your
job search.
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