Once in the search area there are nine or so search fields that takes a minute to fill out. The categories are keywords, city and state, job type, freshness of job, level of education, salary range, employment type (part-time, full-time, contract, etc.), and whether you're looking for a management position or a job in a start-up company.

You're limited to 3 job types. There's no designation for publishing or writing so most of the jobs are corporate communications, copy writing, with some editing jobs thrown in for good measure.

Common words and punctuation marks are ignored unless they are contained in quotation marks. Consecutive words are treated as a phrase so it's best to enter one keyword like "writer" or "editor" or "copywriter" because you can always go back, leave all other elements the same, and change the keyword.

If you are familiar with Boolean and Proximity Operators or wildcards you can use these. The one good tip for writers looking for editorial jobs is to eliminate "technical" whenever it is possible. If you are a technical writer you're in luck because there are a dozen technical writing jobs to every editorial position. However, to eliminate technical jobs from your search use the Boolean operator NOT between the words "writer" and "technical." Thus, "writer and not technical." In a recent search I got 25 jobs, only one of which was technical. These jobs are primarily in the corporate market although there are staff positions at print and online publications.

HeadHunter.NET's Keyword Search

Put this site in your bookmarks and go to it at least two to three times a week.

Remember, too, to use different search terms. "Editor" will often bring more jobs than "writer."

As with other databases the one at HeadHunter.NET gives you the chance to connect with the employer right from the ad so it's always a good idea to have your resume ready to send off in electronic form. Remember to check Monique's advice about Resumes. It will come in handy.