Vol. 2, No. 26
TODAY'S LESSON: Web Jobs

If you managed to hold onto your job through last year's recession, count yourself as one of the lucky ones. But if you're unemployed or working at Starbuck's to hold off the repo man, it's time get your resume rolling online.

Despite all the dot-busts the Web is still alive and well, just a little leaner and meaner. So if you've got some Web development or business skills, now is the time to start peddling them. If you don't have any Web-specific skills, there are still plenty of ways you can use the Internet to find a job; or better yet, create one of your own!

>>> Web Jobs <<<

Locating your dream job in the Web industry can be tough, especially since jobs have entirely different titles and descriptions at every company you try. In order to hedge your bets, you may want to have a few different versions of a skills-grouped résumé: one that focuses on your fabulous multimedia production skills, another that highlights your Web-specific design and production work, and so on. These articles will give you some other good ideas about how to conduct a successful job search in 2002.

"The Right Web Job"
To help demystify the meanings of job titles in this ever changing industry, check this special package of job descriptions. Among other things, you'll find out what experience and skills you'll need to land a job at a new media company.

"Online Job Hunt"
Read on for tips about creating a stellar online résumés, fine-tuning your cover letters, trolling email discussion lists, locating job sites, researching potential employers, and interviewing.

"Freelancing on the Web"
Some may argue that with so many companies struggling just to keep their heads above water now that the bang is out of the Big Web Boom, full-time work is no more secure than the freelance lifestyle. But before you unplug that feeding tube once and for all, ask yourself if you really have what it takes.

>>> Web Biz 101 <<<

If a traditional 9-5 gig just isn't your thing, the Web provides a flexible work environment. That goes double if you decide to start your own business. Some economists suggest that now is a great time to start a business, what with the low lending rates and an economic upswing at hand. So if you've ever had a dream about starting your own online custom bowling ball site (well, maybe that's not the best example_), what are you waiting for?

"E-Commerce Tutorial"
Starting an e-business right now may seem daunting, but if you make the right decisions in your design and setup, you'll certainly improve your chances for success.

"Micro-commerce"
Microcommerce allows vendors to unbundle electronic content and sell it profitably in small units over the Internet.

"E-Com Pitfalls"
You may not always make the best decisions when you come up with a business plan. But you should at least try to avoid really bad decisions.

1. Don't send your résumé as an attachment. People looking to fill a position can receive hundreds of inquiries, and they're not going to bother to take the extra time to open and print out your résumé. Put your résumé in the body of the email, after your cover letter.

2. Even though the Big Web Boom has died down quite a bit, the recruiters arena is still pretty crowded, and the ensuing competition benefits Web workers. Most tech recruiters offer excellent services and have surprisingly nice Web sites with free resources for anybody who wants them.

3. Not sure what to do with that Xmas tree that's still sitting in the hallway? Try the old fisherman's trick: dump the tree out in a lake and return in the spring to your very own fishing hole. (Note: If you don't have access to a boat or lake, try a city fountain or a neighbor's swimming pool.)

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