The internet has allowed the job search process to become simpler in some ways and more complex in others.  Job seekers have a myriad of options for search engines providing content on open positions and companies looking for talent.  Does it matter which website someone uses to find a position?  The answer is individualized by several factors.  Use the questions below to help tailor which websites will be most effective for you.

• Are you looking to relocate for a position? Larger, established companies such as Monster® and Career Builder® may be better places to look for companies who may compensate for a relocation. Smaller organizations may not be able to afford the cost to use these national sites.
• Is there a website that specializes in the area or industry you are pursuing? For example, The Ladders® has sites within their site that breakdown positions into sales, management, marketing etc. Using one of their sub-sites may help minimize the amount of time needed to search.
• Do you belong to a professional association that has a job board? National or regional associations could provide a resource by listing local positions on their websites.

The key is to pick a couple of websites and be consistent in using them.  By setting the timeframe for search to ‘3 days' and then checking on Sundays and Thursdays will ensure that you won't miss any new opportunities.  Allocate a certain amount of time each of those days to search and stick to it - don't get stuck searching all day because you didn't research what websites can provide you the most value with companies specific to the industry.

Preparing to make a career transition can be an overwhelming task that is easier with focus and taking steps to be ready for an opportunity at any time.  As the summer approaches, stores are getting ready for seasonal clothing changes.  Getting an appropriate interview suit is just one key step to being ready for interviews in advance.

-  Research companies in the field you want to transition to for common skills that they list in postings for positions.  If you need to build more proficiency in those areas, consider taking a class or workshop, or find ways to use the skills in volunteer or organization experiences.

-  Update your resume to reflect key results you have achieved that fit objectives for some positions you will post for in the industry. 

-  Identify common questions you expect to receive in a phone screen interview and prepare some examples to show your skills in different areas.  Plan to attend upcoming career fairs with employers in the industry you are transitioning to.

-  Plan time each week to search for job opportunities through search engines, networking sites such as LinkedIn, and news media.

By preparing for interviews in advance, you can spend time researching the company and position and practicing for interviews once you submit for positions online

Each city has a number of professional associations that can help job seekers leverage their skills and develop new ones.  Whether a candidate is looking to transition into a new department in a current company or to move from one industry to another, professional associations provide support in different ways.

Building a network

When choosing a professional association, it's important to consider how closely aligned the group is to your specialty in the industry you are in or transitioning to.  Some organizations may have formed to provide social support or political agendas instead of networking and professional development.  Each candidate should select based on the goals you want to achieve at that point.

Developing new skills

Transitioning into a new department or industry may require learning new skills and a professional association could be a great place to find a source for training outside the workplace and in the industry.  The association itself may also be able to provide opportunities to develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, or organization.  Look for ways to participate on committees or boards for some of these positions.

Check out different options for professional associations through search engines and career based websites to determine which organizations can provide the most value for your situation in the career search process.