Are you looking to make your job search not only easier, but also more successful? Then here's a tip: Stop using the newspaper and start using the Internet! Put your job search into high gear by searching for open positions and posting your resume online. With the ease of technology and by following the few guidelines listed below, you will be well on your way to finding a new position in no time.

Make your resume electronic-friendly
A professional and well laid out resume is important when looking for a new job. Formatting your resume with bullet points, italics, etc. is time well spent if you are faxing or mailing it to an employer. But too often, when you copy and paste your resume into a window online and it becomes unorganized and impossible to read. Here are some tips for making the transition from your computer to the Internet easy.

It is important to create a resume in a plain text format. Plain text basically means no formatting - there should be no bullets, underlines, bold or italics in your copy. Acceptable characters are dashes, asterisks and arrows. When submitting your resume online, the plain text resume is your best option.

Using keywords in your resume can be helpful
When you post your resume online, you want employers to find you among the other resumes in the database. Your resume will need to stand out in the crowd and keywords are important for doing this. Keywords need to be those from your industry and placed throughout your resume. If you are a HVAC technician, then your resume needs to include keywords that are specific to the industry: installation, light commercial, EPA Universal Certification, and other keywords that pertain to your experiences and continuing education you've received in your field.

Maintaining your privacy
It's important to remember not to reveal too much personal information in your resume when posting it online. For example, don't include your social security number, ever, and there is no need to provide a list of references until you are asked. Then you can provide them privately to the employer.

Using the Internet in your search for employment, you will open up a new world of opportunity by casting a wide net. Take some time when preparing your resume and post it on sites where the kind of jobs you are looking for are posted - niche job boards will be the best place to post your resume. You'll be sure to be contacted only by those looking for employees with your experience.

By posting your resume, you've just opened your career to a world of career opportunities!