If this economy has thrown you back into the job market – or if you have decided that it’s the right time to make a career move – then you probably already know that the Internet could be your top resource for finding a new job. Even if you have a big network of personal contacts and the kind of resume that would put most CEOs to shame, the chances are good that you could at least make things quicker and more efficient by putting the power of the web on your side.

That’s common knowledge, but I regularly meet people who aren’t exactly sure how that process should work. They want to use the Internet to help build a better career, but aren’t sure how.

Because finding a new job can be a difficult and frustrating process already, I’d like to offer some quick and easy tips candidates can use to get hired. Here are my five favorite:

1. Build (and clean up) your social media profiles. In many ways, finding a job is still about who you know. You don’t necessarily have to have connections in the company or industry you want to work for, but having recommendations, common professional acquaintances, and association contacts is a strong starting point. Just make sure you don’t have a post, information, or photos that will embarrass you or give someone second thoughts about interviewing you.

2. Create an online resume or personal website. You could simply upload your resume to sites like Monster and Career Builder, but why not go a step farther and create a website with your resume, photos, recommendations from friends and colleagues, and maybe even an online “virtual interview” video? The technology for all of these tools makes them relatively inexpensive, and you can bet they’ll separate you from the hundreds of other candidates who can only show a piece of paper.

3. Scour the job boards. Once you have your supporting materials in place, it’s worth noting that you shouldn’t ignore sites like Monster and Career Builder (not to mention Craigslist and industry sites). Employers in human resources departments like them, so they can be valuable resources. Just know that there is an art and science to getting noticed in these kinds of digital settings, so make sure your resume has the right kinds of keywords and phrases, because it may have to pass a digital software check long before an actual human will see and review it.

4. Take online courses and earn certifications. Sometimes, the best way to move yourself into a new career isn’t to get in touch with more employers, but to make yourself more employable. It’s easier than ever to find and take courses online (from simple weekend certifications to college-level classes), and they could make the difference between being interviewed and staying at home. Continual learning is a must in almost any job because it doesn’t just keep you “up with the times,” but also shows that you have the ambition to stay on top of your field.

Could you be using the Internet to get more from your job search (or just get hired faster)? I hope these tips will help you get moving in the right direction. Give them a try and be sure to let me know when they work for you!