How To Develop An Online Job Search Identity

The first step in creating a coordinated base of operations for your online job search is to develop a secure online identity. Online privacy is a big issue for everyone using the Internet, such is the case in this situation, as well.

How To Develop An Online Job Search Identity

It is wise to set up a new, separate e-mail address that is exclusively designated to your job search. This new e-mail address should reflect the professional image that you want to present to an employer. This new e-mail address also provides an added level of confidentiality, because some of the blocking agents used online do not always work, and your regular e-mail address could give away your true identity.

Setting up multiple e-mail addresses is relatively easy. There are free accounts offered through Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail, and many others. Simply type the words "free e-mail" in your web browser. Go to the site of your choice and follow the instructions to create a new e-mail account. Make sure that you choose a professional address. Create an account name that shows something about your professional profile, like financialanalyst(at)yahoo.com. E-mail addresses like these examples focus on your attributes from the beginning, by acting like an advertisement for you to the reader. Many of these specific email addresses may already be taken, so instead of settling for the recommended topsalesman1536(at)hotmail.com, try something like top10salesman(at)hotmail.com.

While it is likely that you are aware that you should not use your current work e-mail address for a job search, you should also never download you personal e-mail to your office e-mail inbox. There are several reasons for this including, that your company may be viewing your email for security purposes; you accidentally leave the browser open on your computer, allowing for the potential of someone accessing your personal e-mail account. Also some companies check Internet usage to make sure that employees are not using company time for inappropriate actions. You should only access your personal job search email outside of work, unless you want to risk losing your current job before you are ready.

While you are setting up your career management/job search database and your job search designated e-mail address, you will also need to develop an effective resume. Remove all of your personal contact information from your electronic resume (name, address, phone number, fax number), and replace with your job search e-mail address.

If you are currently employed, or you want to present yourself that way, remove the name of your current employer. Replace the company name with a general description of the company and the location of the company. For instance, if you work for Hewlett Packard in Miami, Florida, you could describe this as "Southeastern Fortune 500 Computer Company".

Potential employers understand the need for you to disguise your current employer's name. This keeps your current position safe, until you are ready to give your notice, as well a protecting your identity. You usually do not need to remove the names of prior employers or their contact information, unless you were in a senior position with a very visible company. This could be a clue to your true identity, so you would want to replace it with a more common but equivalent job title.

Be cautious. Many job sites tell you that their software creates a perfect resume and protects it. However, this is frequently not the case. Never rely on these sites or resume distribution businesses to do what you should be taking care of yourself. Spending time developing an applicable resume will focus your mind and prepare you for the activities ahead.

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