The unemployment rate has just gone up to around 9 percent, forcing people to take bolder steps just to find a job – and they’re looking more using the World Wide Web.

Craigslist and LinkedIn, among other websites, have become their best friends, and many resort to odd work just to keep income flowing: single fathers create furniture or clean lawns, women offer home organization and cleaning, and vets turn into daytime dog walkers. Once full-time employees, some have resorted to per-diem or per-hour charges.

Simply put, these online job sites have become the face of struggle, pain, and lack of options for Americans these days.

But is getting an online job only a temporary solution or even a sign of desperation?

The answer should be no. We’ve practically seen a lot of people landing decent jobs, opening their own businesses, and getting regular clients just by making themselves and their profession more accessible online.

One just needs to be patient, determined, and smart enough to know between scams and real requests.

We are going to outline the different ways on how to improve your chances of getting a good job online:

• Start within your area.
Craigslist, for example, compartmentalizes its pages into states and cities. Go for the latter. The nearer your clients are, the easier it is for you to provide services, send your invoices, and be paid.

• Look for companies.
Many startups and small-time businesses maximize the Internet to advertise several open positions. After all, it’s less costly. Moreover, many of these options are home-based. Who knows, you may definitely land yourself a permanent job through the Internet.

• Leverage by sending resumes online.
While applying for any type of job you can get into, begin sending out your resumes online. Monster, Indeed, LinkedIn, and SimplyHired are some of the top Internet job boards where you can set up a profile, upload your resume, and look for jobs. LinkedIn, for one, allows you to network to former colleagues, ex-bosses, companies, and potential clients and businesses.

• Enhance your skills.
Once you’ve started the ball rolling and keep it going for at least two to three months, find time to improve your skills, knowledge, and expertise. These three things can make you even more indispensable, professional, capable, and open to new challenges and tasks. It’s easier to seek out better opportunities not only online but also offline.

A number have decided to take their GEDs, pursue a vocational course, or enroll in an online college or university program. Others sign up for short course trainings and webinars. Legitimate, accredited, and reputable universities, colleges, and training centers provide certifications and even job assistance.

Undoubtedly, the country’s economy is grim, and it seems like it’s not going to pick up anytime soon. Obama’s jobs bill is facing a lot of challenges itself, and the government is at loss in increasing job slots. But you – you can do something and be that catalyst to making things better. Use the power and resources of the World Wide Web to find a good job.

… or just look through our CAREER section …