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Tip Sheets
Using the Internet for Work Search: Getting started
The Internet is an important work search tool, offering access to jobs, employers and information. These days, many Alberta employers expect you to apply online at the company’s website or to an email address. Becoming familiar with the online environment will help you find new ways of looking for work using the Internet.
This tip sheet shows you how to access the Internet, sign up for your own free email account and ensure your online privacy and security.
Start with a computer
Are you new to computers or do you want to improve your skills? Take a basic computer or keyboarding course. Check with the public library, school board, recreation service or community college in your area. Staff at your local Alberta Employment and Immigration service centre can also help you find a course.
Go online
To look for work online, you’ll need to use a computer with an Internet connection. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can find free computer access at most Alberta Employment and Immigration service centres and public libraries. Or, for a fee, you can also access a computer at an Internet café.
It takes a little time to get used to the Internet. Ask for help from staff at an Alberta Employment and Immigration service centre or public library. Or, visit an online tutorial website such as Learn the Net
It is not appropriate to use your employer’s computer to look for work. By using your work computer, you risk making a bad impression on a potential employer and informing your current employer that you’re actively looking for work.
Set up a free email account
You’ll need an email account for online work search so you can:
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register and use the features at job search websites and networking websites |
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apply at employer websites |
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avoid using your employer’s email for work search |
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avoid using your street address on the resumés you post online |
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keep work search email separate from family email. |
Set up a free email account at one of the following websites:
Before you set up your account, make sure you read and understand the website’s privacy policy. Use the highest level of security available—sign in with a password. Signing in prevents others from accessing your account, especially important when using your account from a public computer. Remember to sign out or log out after each use.
Choose an email account name
Follow these suggestions when you choose your email name:
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Use your own name, if possible. |
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If your name is not available because someone else has the same name, try varying it by using your last name first or mixing up your initials, or adding underscores or periods (for example, smith_john.henry). |
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The email website may automatically invite you to include numbers in the account name. Try to avoid this. Numbers can be confusing (for example, smith262 could be mistaken for smith282). |
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If you use a descriptive phrase, make sure it sounds professional. For example, sjones.exp.marketer@workmail.ca presents an appropriate image, while jonesyisagemini@workmail.ca does not. |
Protect your privacy and identity online
Every time you use the Internet, you leave an electronic footprint. Anyone who knows how—from your current employer to identity thieves—can trace your online whereabouts.
Don’t let this stop you from using the Internet! Take the following precautions to protect your privacy and identity online:
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Make sure you understand the privacy policy of any job website where you post a resumé. |
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Know who operates the website. Post your resumé only at well-known sites or with reputable organizations such as professional or industry associations. |
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Technology allows thieves to steal your personal information from your posted resumé. Do not include your street address, Social Insurance Number, driver’s licence number, professional registration number or birth date on a posted resumé. |
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Scam operators may use your email address to make a fraudulent job offer so they can steal your personal information or your money. Legitimate employers don’t need your personal information, such as your Social Insurance Number or your bank account number, until after they hire you. And they don’t ask you to pay a fee when they offer you work. |
Keep your resumé information confidential
Your current employer can view the resumés you post at job search websites. Use the following suggestions to ensure that your work search stays confidential:
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Don’t use the computer at work to look for work! |
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Instead of posting your resumé at a job search website, email it directly to a potential employer or apply through the employer’s website. |
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If you do post your resumé, use a general description of your skills and your work search email instead of your name and other identifiers; for example, Journeyperson Electrician with 10 Years’ Experience, 10yr.electric@workmail.ca. This level of confidentiality is acceptable in the online work search environment. |
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If a job search website allows you to prevent others from accessing your posted resumé, use this service. But don’t assume it’s foolproof. |
It’s a good idea to block a potential employer’s access to your personal networking website, blog or any other aspect of your online profile that is not professional. Better yet, change or delete anything unprofessional in your online profile.
The Internet doesn’t replace other kinds of work search, but it can be a valuable part of your work search plan. With a little practise and a few precautions, you can use the Internet effectively and securely to increase your likelihood of finding a job.
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download an online copy or order the publication from the Publications website at alis.alberta.ca/careershop |
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call the Alberta Career Information Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton |
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visit your local Alberta Employment and Immigration service centre. To find the centre nearest you, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline. |
Last Updated: December 21, 2007
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