Digitally savvy job searching

Chances are you've been thinking about jobs lately. With a surprising number of friends across the country getting laid off right before the holidays, jobs have certainly been on my mind. In anticipation of a hiring upswing in early 2012, the unemployed would benefit greatly from updating their job searching skills. Since technology expertise is becoming ever more essential for landing a job, I was inspired to gather some resources to help job seekers increase their savvy when it comes to searching for a job in the digital world.

• Google yourself and see what pops up in the search.  If you come across content that would be detrimental to your job search, remove it (if possible).
• Lock down your social networking accounts or get rid of unprofessional pictures or text.
• If you don't already have a presence on a major social media site, consider getting started with Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.
• Join online networking groups. For example, college alumni groups have the potential to connect you with peers from your alma mater who might be able to open doors for your professionally.
• If you're willing to relocate for a new position, invest in a web cam so you can for Skype interviews. From the comfort of my living room, I was able to interview in Boulder, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle back when I was job hunting.

• For job seekers new to computers, WorkSource Seattle-King County has partnered with many local agencies to offer classes at library branches, YMCAs, colleges, and other community centers.
• Microsoft is offering free online computer training for veterans through its partnership with WorkSource Seattle.
• The Seattle Public Library lists an extensive number of classes for adults, young adults, and ESL patrons on basic computing skills and job searching.
• The Communities Connect Network Project has received funding to upgrade and create additional public computing centers for technology and workforce development training classes.

• The Seattle Public Library links to live resume help and other resources. These resources are available on computers in library branches or at a home computer with an internet connection.
• Utilize cloud-based resume-builders such as Emurse or VisualCV that do not require a flash drive for saving files. Both are free websites that allow resumes to be downloaded or sent to potential employers.
• Based on the premise that networking is a big part of landing a job, JIBE connects its user community to friends and colleagues using their existing networks on Facebook and LinkedIn.
• To organize a job search, RSS feeds such as Google Reader can be helpful. Websites like JibberJobber and StartWire manage all the nitty-gritty details including the time a resume was submitted, which version you sent, etc.
• Create customized job alerts for the job search aggregators you're already using (Monster, SimplyHired, Indeed).

• Send a potential employer your resume with QR codes that direct them to your personal website.
• If you want to go crazy with your resume, Mashable publishes visually innovative takes on the standard resume format.
• If you are looking for job-hunting-related apps, UndercoverRecruiter lists top apps for the iPhone and for Droid-based mobile phones.
• Many other unconventional tips are included in Mashable's "51+ Essential Resources for the Digitally Savvy Job Hunter."

Good luck with the hunt!

- Elissa Thomas