Job Search is a full time job

Your own web page

If you have internet access at home then your ISP (Internet Service Provider) is likely to provide web space along with your e-mail addresses. You can choose to post your resume along with more details of the projects and work that you have done. Alternatively you can use a networking website like LinkedIn.com. When an agency contacts you to get your latest resume you can point them to the web site and follow up later by e-mail.

If you don't have internet access at home or even a computer the costs for setting up internet access need not be high. Computers are given away free by the Freecycle group at Yahoo Groups and search for the group operating in your local area.. As people upgrade their old computer has virtually no value but can still be used to write letters, create your CV, e-mail and access the internet. Even computers 10 years old can do this.

Internet access can be obtained via a

• a dial up modem that connects to your telephone line.

• an ADSL modem that works alongside your current telephone line to provide broadband

• a cable modem to provide broadband

• a satellite connection

The advantage of a dial up modem is the low cost of entry and usage. If the computer does not have a modem then one can be obtained also from Freecycle. The disadvantage is that whilst you are on the internet your phone line is in use. Dial up modem lines are also much slower than broadband.

A dial up account with an ISP is either pay monthly or pay-as-you-surf.  With pay monthly where you can use a free number to connect to the internet for a fixed monthly charge  With pay-as-you-surf your charges are meant by a using an 0845 number at local call rate. This can work out at under £1 per hour. Accessing your e-mail can be done in a few seconds, but web browsing and reading pages whilst online can soon burn up the time. The modem also provides you with a fax; which can be very useful for getting your CV directly to the office of the hiring manager.

The increase take up of broadband has seen the decline in dial-up services and many ISP have withdrawn this option. Broadband costs have fallen but even with the special introduction deals the start up costs are a little higher.

Broadband is always on, even if your equipment is disconnected. You pay for usage, that is the amount of data requested and transmitted. If you exceeds the limits for the type of service you will be charged for the excess usage.

For broadband you have the choice of cable or ADSL. Cable is only an option if you already have cable in your street and preferably if you have an existing cable service such as television and/or phone. Cable offers the fast internet connection and the fibre optics used means that when the service is offered you don't have the same problems presented when you are some distance from the telephone exchange that uses copper wires.

Cable modems are sometimes offered on Freecycle when people move home or change services, otherwise the cable provider (e.g. Virgin Media) sell you a box when your sign up.

An ADSL modem works along side your existing telephone line. It requires a device set up at the exchange and also in your home to separate the analogue voice line from the digital micro frequencies used for for broadband. The speed is limited to the type of exchange and also the distance from the exchange. You may also find that a particular ADSL modem may not work for you and have to replace it with another brand.

ADSL modems are also available on Freecycle, but rarely. The ISP you sign up with usually has a good introductory deal on a suitable ADSL modem and should offer installation and support to get you going; at a price.

Selecting an ISP needs to be done with care. For cable you are restricted to the cable provider for ADSL you have a large choice. When the line is working there isn't much to choose between them but set up can be an issue, particularly in rural areas and the best introductory offer may not be the best choice over a year. There are usually user comments on the service provided by the ISP and a little research should enable you to find a short list to consider further.

Setting up broadband will cost £20-30 for a 'modem' , £6-20 per month fixed charge,.and perhaps a set up charge.

ADSL and cable modems offer either USB and/or Ethernet connections to your computer. With USB only options you are restricted to connection with only one computer. If your computer has Ethernet the modem can connect to or include an Ethernet router and wireless LAN allowing you to work in any room in the house as well as having more than one computer connected at the same time.