Create Search Agents....NOW

I bet there are many of you out there who don’t have a clue what a “search agent” is. Up to a few months ago I was in the same boat. But as I stepped up my job search and acquired new tools I discovered that search agents can be incredibly efficient. Not only will they synchronize your job search, they’ll save you time and effort. By entering in a few basic keywords and your preferred locations, you can make your job search come directly to your email inbox. Here are a few typical entry-level keywords that I use in my job search agents: Junior Analyst, Administrative Assistant, Development Associate, Program Assistant, and Entry Level.

Try to be as specific as possible when creating search agents and don’t use generic titles like “assistant”. Below are a few job websites where you can create search agents. You usually will have to create an account to set up search agents, also known as email alerts, but it is well worth it.

1. Idealist
2. Monster with Instructions
3. Careerbuilder
4. Yahoo HotJobs

The ultimate job search agent is Indeed.com. After you create an account simply search by a position title or company your looking to join. Scroll to the bottom of the page and you’ll see “Get email updates for the latest xxxxx jobs in washington dc”. Click on this link and your search agent will automatically activate.

I would also recommend you either create a separate email address for your job search or use gmail filters (you must use Gmail) to direct them into separate folders, because if your not consistent with organizing and synchronizing your inbox it’ll become as cluttered as my sock drawer. Here’s how to create labels in gmail. Here’s how to create filters. Go get em!