Using the Internet for research isn't the same as surfing the Internet. Researching is centered, surfing is wandering. Stay focused on your research goal. If you find something interesting en route to your goal, bookmark the site and come back to it. Here are some tips to keep you from getting lost in the mire of the Web.
Develop a plan before you begin looking for information. Decide in advance how much time you're willing to invest. Your topic will influence where you look. Knowing roughly where your information might be found will help in developing your plan. Remember, "Plan your work, then work your plan."
It's important to keep a record of your research. As you explore potential employers, industries and communities, you will collect a lot of information. Discard anything that has little or no immediate value, then file and maintain information that you want to keep. Don't give in to the temptation to bookmark sites without discretion. The result is almost always an unmanageable tangle.
Stay on track and have a goal. "I'm going to spend the next hour researching two potential employers who might need someone with marketing skills" is far better stated than "I'm going to look for jobs on the Internet."
Many employers manage and sort resumes in a resume database. They search the database for specific skills, experience and qualifications, so a well-written resume with the right skills, experience and qualifications will show up frequently and prominently in the employer's search. One advantage is that your resume is more easily found in the database. If the resume doesn't show up in a search today, it has a chance of showing up in a search in the future.
There are several common ways that a resume is placed into a database. It may be entered directly to a job board or at an employer's website. Many sites allow you to upload resumes in standard formats such as Word or as a PDF. Pay attention to the directions on the website for uploading resumes and cover letters; a good first impression for a potential employee is the ability to follow directions.
