Google is your friend

I'm consistently surprised by the number of people who do not use Google as an active tool in their job search. I'm frequently asked questions like "Where can I find a list of financial companies in Boston?" or "How do I get licensed as a substance abuse counselor?" or "Can you tell me where the state police academies are in Massachusetts?" To which I usually respond, "Have you Googled it?" The typical answer is "no".

These types of questions are usually answered with a simple Google search. Three clicks later I have a list of financial companies, substance abuse licensing requirements, or the list of police academies in Massachusetts. Why does it not occur to job seekers to do the same?

Google is an incredibly powerful tool that should be used during the entire job search process. At the beginning of your job search it should be used to research industry information, company profiles, networking events, career fairs, salary ranges, and more. Most importantly, you should Google yourself to see what part of your history is floating around in cyber world.

Once you've begun to apply to jobs, use Google to do more in depth research on the companies you've sent resumes to. You've just received a call for an interview? Great! Google the name of the person you are interviewing with. Ideally you'll find information on their career, education, or their history with the company. You may find that you are from the same town, or went to the same college. Isn't this information you would want before that first interview?

I believe that Google is the best thing to happen to the job search process since the invention of the resume.

Use it. Google it.

~Elizabeth

"I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user. " ~Bill Gates