The Internet may be convenient, but there's nothing cute or cuddly about using it to look for work. The Internet contains the whole global job market spectrum of possible problems for job seekers.

From great search sites, to utterly useless searches, you can get totally lost in about three seconds on any job ad, application form, or search engine. The net contains many job scams, incomprehensible job ads, uninformative job ads, and a range of great ways to waste time and not find a job.

The Internet job market isn't particularly 'user friendly.' It's functional, at best. To use the net effectively, you have to be highly selective about what sites you use, how you use them, and how you do your searches.

Selecting job sites

You need:

• Several sites that you can use effectively and easily
• Good search criteria
• A good search routine
• A way of following up job ads and checking them properly
• Information sources for jobs and employers
• A good anti-scam approach
• Good computer security and ID protection

Several sites that you can use effectively and easily

One site is rarely enough, and since you may do specialized work, you need sites in your own profession.

Good search criteria

Learn how to search so you get relevant, useful results, and reduce the clutter. This takes time, but it will save you literally years of effort.

A good search routine

Develop a regular search pattern, based on the two points above. You can do all your searching quickly and efficiently, and be up to date with new jobs as they come online.

A way of following up job ads and checking them properly

Many job ads need to be checked, because of information quality or obscure points in the ads. Always do this by email or phone, but get your facts straight before doing an application.

Information sources for jobs and employers

Some employers may be scams. Others may be employers where you don't know enough about them to do an application. Check carefully.

A good anti-scam approach

The Internet is potentially a danger for job seekers. Just assume anything you haven't checked out to be possibly risky. Do a search on these things or check with the industry sources, and check to see if the employer actually exists and is a bona fide employer. All information should be verified to be correct. Fake jobs, or those asking for money, should be avoided on principle. Some of these aren't just scams, they also relate to computer security, as outlined below.

Good computer security and ID protection

There's been a recent trend, particularly in contract jobs, for 'employers' to include phishing and actual viruses and malware on sites. Whether they do it or someone else does, it's very risky, including in some cases Trojans and other nasty malware. So keep your computer security tight, preferably with multi-level protection.