Job Seeker Help > Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How can I get the most relevant search results?
A:  Keywords are used to determine the job search results. The job search results page lists job postings that contain the specified keywords. Enter one or more keywords that you would expect to see in your preferred job.

If looking to work in a specific town or area, try typing the name of the town or city as a keyword and select the closest location listed in the Choose Location box. If you are looking to work from home or only part-time, try keywords like Telecommute or Part-time.

To refine your results, consult our Keyword Search Tips for advanced searching options.

Note: As with any activity on the Internet, you should protect yourself when searching for jobs. Consult our Safe Job Search page for more information.

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How can I get more information about a job posting?
A:  Since employers post their own jobs, they are responsible for the information in the job listing. For more information on a job, we recommend that you contact the employer in question. If an employer has omitted a way to contact them, please contact us and we will ask the employer to update the job posting as soon as possible. Note: Although most jobs are listed for 60 days, employers can remove their job postings whenever they like.

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What should I do if I come across a Job Posting that I believe to be fraudulent?
A:  Monster Job Posting Fraud Statement
Regrettably, from time to time, false Job Postings are placed in the Monster Job Database, which may be used to attempt to perpetrate a fraud on unsuspecting job seekers. The placement of such false Job Postings is a violation of the Monster Terms of Use and may also be a criminal violation of federal and/or state law.
The Monster Terms of Use provide that Monster disclaims responsibility for the information in any Job Postings and that job seekers' use of Monster sites and their reliance on material posted by third parties on the Monster sites is at their own risk. However, when fraudulent Job Postings are brought to Monster's attention, Monster takes action to protect job seekers. Such actions may include deleting the Job Posting, blocking the access of the job poster to the Monster Job Database and having our legal department work with law enforcement authorities. We are currently working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in several jurisdictions and several state law enforcement authorities that are investigating certain parties who have placed fraudulent Job Postings on the Monster Job Database.
To protect yourself from becoming a victim of these frauds, we suggest the following:
  • Do not give your social security number to any prospective employer even if they suggest that it is for a 'routine background check.'
  • Monster's Terms of Use prohibit Job Postings that require job seekers to pay any funds prior to employment. Do not give your credit card numbers or bank account number to any prospective employer or engage in any transaction in which you are requested to transfer or exchange currency or funds to or for a prospective employer.
  • Be cautious providing any personal information over the phone or online to prospective employers other than the information you have already provided in your resume.
  • Be cautious when dealing with individuals/companies from outside your own country. Unfortunately, a disproportionate number of the fraudulent Job Postings have been traced to companies and individuals located in Eastern Europe.
  • When responding to individuals who purport to represent a prospective employer, research the company to ensure that they are legitimate.
While the above precautions are designed to help you avoid a fraudulent situation, they are by no means exhaustive, and you should exercise caution in dealing with unfamiliar parties.
If you feel you have been the victim of a crime by a person posing as a prospective employer who obtained your name and information from Monster, please file a police report with your local authorities and ask the police to issue a subpoena to Monster to initiate an investigation of the prospective employer.
There are also additional authorities to whom you may report possible fraud on the Internet, such as the Internet Fraud Complaint Center, a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center whose mission is to address fraud committed over the Internet. You can file a complaint with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center online by accessing its Web site.

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What happens when I apply online to a job posting?
A:  When you apply online, employers receive your resume and cover letter (if you chose to include one) via email. Employers can also access this information at any time within their Monster accounts. When you apply online, the job posting and the resume you included is then listed and can be tracked on your History page. The History page does not list jobs applied to via email, mail or fax.

Note: In some cases, employers may use the 'Apply Online' link to take you to their company website to complete an application process. When you apply online using this method, it is not tracked on your History page.

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How do I get my username and password?
A:  If you've changed email addresses or forgotten which email address you used for creating an account, please contact us with as much of the following information as possible: your old email address, first name, last name, street address, city, state, country, zip code, and phone number. Once we verify your information, we will email your Username and Password to your current email address.


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How can I see the jobs I've applied to?
A:  Your Applications from the last 18 months can be viewed by logging into your account and clicking on History.

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Can I have multiple accounts using the same email address?
A:  You can only have one account per email address. To have multiple accounts, you will need to obtain additional email addresses.

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How do I update my email address or change my password?
A:  You need to log into your account and click Account Profile. Click Change Password and enter your current and new Passwords in the fields provided. Click Submit.

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How do I change my Monster Updates and Offers subscriptions?
A:  If they come directly from Monster, you can change your settings by going to your Account Profile and changing your answer under Monster Updates and Other Information and Offers. For some third-party emails, you will need to contact the vendor the offer came from as well.

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Has, or will, my information be sold to any Third Parties?
A:  No, your information will not and has not been sold to third parties. Monster is collecting these promotional offers to send to you if you have chosen to opt-in to receive them.

Monster will not disclose to any third party your name, address, email address or telephone number without your prior consent, except to the extent necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable laws or in legal proceedings where such information is relevant.

Monster also provides you with the opportunity to opt-out of these types of communications. If you choose to receive these types of communications at the time of registration but later decide you no longer want to receive them, simply log into your My Monster account and edit your preferences in your Account Profile.

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How do I save my job search?
A:  When you do a Job Search, you can save that specific search as a Job Search Agent if you are already logged in. From the Job Search Results page, just click the Save this search and email me jobs link. You can then configure your Job Search Agent and how often you would like to receive emails with matching Jobs. If you are not logged in, when you click Save this search you will be taken to the Create Account/Login page, where you will have to follow the on-screen instructions.

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What can I do when I get 'Track Changes is enabled' when uploading my Resume?
A:  Resumes cannot be attached when Word's Track Changes feature is enabled in your document. Follow these steps to remove the Track Changes feature:
  1. Open the .doc file and save it as an rtf file (by using File menu / Save As option).
  2. Quit Word.
  3. Restart Word, open your .rtf file, and you should see some revisions highlighted in green.
  4. Select Tools menu / Track Changes / Highlight Changes.
  5. In that dialog, deselect Highlight changes on screen AND deselect Highlight changes in printed document.
  6. Click OK
  7. Select Tools menu / Track Changes / Accept or Reject Changes.
  8. Accept all should now be an active button (not greyed out). Accept all changes.
  9. Select File menu / Save As and save it as a .doc file.

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Who has seen my Resume?
A:  The # of Times Viewed by Employers counter keeps a tally of the number of times your Resume has been viewed by employers who pulled your Resume from the database. If you Apply Online to Job Postings, when an employer views your Resume it will result in an increase in the number of Views that your Resume receives.

We do not track who has seen your Resume, and you will only know that employers have seen your Resume if they contact you.

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What Confidentiality options do I have?
A:  You have three Confidentiality options when storing your Resume on Monster:
  • Searchable: When you enter your Resume, do not select the option to Save my Resume as Confidential. This makes your Contact Information, Work Experience and References visible to employers. When you finish creating your Resume, click Make Searchable and your Resume will be Searchable by employers. Only one Resume can be Searchable at a time.
  • Confidential and Searchable: Storing your Resume as confidential keeps your Contact Information, present employer and References private, but your Resume is still Searchable by employers. Employers can contact you through an anonymous email address we assign you. It's your choice to contact the employer. Selecting Save my Resume as Confidential on the Contact Information screen stores your Resume as Confidential. If you want your present employer's name hidden, be sure to choose Present as the end date for your current Job on the Work Experience screen of the builder.
  • Not Searchable: Your Resume will be not be available in the searchable database so employers cannot search for it. However, your Resume still remains in our system and you can send it to employers when you Apply Online. This is a good option if you want to apply to a specific position without being contacted by other employers who have found your Resume online. You can make it Searchable at any time.

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How do I change my Confidential status?
A:  You can change it as follows:
  1. Log in to your account and click Resumes on the purple navigation bar near the top of the page.
  2. Click Edit Confidentiality Settings, located near the top of the page.
  3. The Manage Confidentiality page opens, where you can change your status as desired.

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Why is my Resume not getting many hits?
A:  Make sure that your Resume is Searchable. If it isn't Searchable you will not receive any hits. Click Renew on your Resume Listings and Activity page to refresh your Resume. This will make it appear as though your Resume was just posted. Also, check out our article Develop a Powerful Resume with Monster's Resume Builder. This will provide you with great tips for creating an online Resume that will get noticed. If this still doesn't generate any response after a few days, contact a Seeker Support Specialist at 1-800-MONSTER (1-800-666-7837) to check the accessibility of your Searchable Resume.

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How can I remove Target Company from my Resume?
A:  If you would like to remove this section from your Resume, you must deselect your selection from the Company Category drop-down menu. You can do so by highlighting Select from within the menu.

Note: If you decide to remove this from your Resume, you will lose all information you previously saved within the Target Company section. This includes Company Size and the Describe Your Ideal Company description.

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What is a Brainbench account?
A:  Every person who accesses Brainbench through My Monster receives a Brainbench account. All of your test and certification data are then posted to this account, and you can also enter other information, such as third-party certifications. From within your account, you decide which information should become a part of your public transcript and whether you would like to add your transcript to your Monster Resume.

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What is a public transcript? How do I add my test results to my Resume?
A:  A public transcript is a record of the Brainbench information you have elected to make available to employers from the Manage Resumes section of your account. This will allow all tests that you have selected as public to be viewable by employers. You can select which tests you make public in your Brainbench account by clicking on the Manage Test Results link. You can change what information appears on your public transcript at any time, by clicking on the Manage Test Results link in the Account Information menu inside your Brainbench account.

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Is my contact information listed on my transcript?
A:  Your Brainbench transcript will display only your name and transcript ID, should you add your transcript to your Monster Resume. If your Resume is stored as Searchable and Confidential, the link on your Resume to your Brainbench results will display your name only on your Brainbench transcript.

Note: If you would like to maintain your Confidentiality while still allowing employers to search for and view your Resume and Brainbench certifications, you may wish to:
  • Make reference to the results in the Additional Information section of the Resume builder (e.g. Results of Brainbench certifications are Available Upon Request).
  • You can email your Brainbench transcript directly to an interested employer via your Brainbench account.

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Why is code mixed in with my Resume?
A:  This can occur when you copy and paste text from other programs. This code is usually bullets, graphics, symbols, customized fonts, etc. that are not supported in the field into which you copied it.

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How do I change the phone numbers listed in my Resume?
A: 
  1. Log into your account and click Resumes on the purple navigation bar near the top of the page.
  2. Click Edit below your Resume Headline.
  3. Click Candidate Info on the list of Resume Sections. On this page, you can change the phone numbers that you previously entered.
  4. Click Save.

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I already have a Resume. Do I have to complete an Application too?
A:  Hourly and Skilled employers require different information from job seekers then your Resume can provide them. The Application and Interview process will ensure these employers have the specific information they need to better match their opportunities with your skills and experience. Read Why Fill Out a Monster Application and Interviews? to learn more.

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What types of Jobs require an Application?
A:  It is left to employers to decide how they require job seekers to apply to their Job Postings. However, the following are examples of Jobs that you could expect to require an application:
  • Automotive Service
  • Cleaning
  • Customer Service
  • Distribution
  • Food Service
  • General Help
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • Maintenance
  • Nursing
  • Security
  • Telemarketing
  • Transportation
  • Warehouse Service
Visit Monster Hourly & Skilled for expert career advice.

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Where can I see my completed Application and Interviews?
A:  You can access your Application by logging into your Monster account and clicking Application and Interviews. Your saved Application and Interviews are listed on this screen. To modify an Application, click its Edit link. You can View, Edit or Activate your Interviews from this screen.

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How can employers search for me?
A:  At this point in time, you can only make your Application and Interview available to employers by Applying Online to their Job Postings.

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Why is some of the information in my Interview different from my Application?
A:  Your Application is a general overview of you and your work preferences. Your Interview provides you with the opportunity to reflect your answers to what the employer is looking for in a candidate. For example, you may have noted in your Application that you prefer to work 1st shift. If you are applying for a position that requires a 2nd shift schedule, you can modify your Interview to reflect your willingness to work the different shift.

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What is Classification? Why do I need to classify my Job Titles?
A:  Classification is a process whereby you select a Job Title and description that best matches your current (or desired) Job-related duties and responsibilities. Classifying Job Titles assists job seekers and employers in finding potential matches in our database.

This process will help us more efficiently categorize Jobs in the database and, in the future, help you find a better match to your desired Job and improve the effectiveness of your Job Search Agents.

Your Classification is not displayed with your Resume or Searchable by employers at this time.

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Can I modify my Classification?
A:  Yes, just click the Classification link on your Manage Resumes page and you can change your Classification as necessary. Please note that changing your Classification will not alter the Job Title that is entered on your Resume. If you wish to change the Job Titles listed on your resume, we recommend that you modify these areas within the Resume Builder and repeat the Classification and approval process.

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Why am I taken to my Account Profile when I try to use the message boards?
A:  You will need to specify a unique Screen Name in order to access the Message Boards. Screen Names are unique, which helps prevent others from impersonating valued members, and helps us monitor the boards and warn/ban repeat offenders, making the community area a more comfortable environment for members.

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What does Subscribe to thread mean?
A:  A thread is a message posted on a Message Board along with its related responses. If you would like to receive an email whenever a new message is posted to a particular thread, click Subscribe to Thread. If at some point you decide you no longer want to receive emails regarding a certain thread, you can unsubscribe from the thread. In order to unsubscribe, you need to be logged into your My Monster account and you need to go to the thread that you are currently subscribed to. Once there, you will have the option to click Unsubscribe to Thread.

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How do I copy and paste text?
A:  Follow these steps:
  • Selecting: Click and drag your mouse cursor over the text or link that you wish to copy.
  • Copying: With the text now selected, press the CTRL key (CMD key for Macs) and press C.
  • Pasting: Click the mouse on the place where you wish to paste the information, and press CTRL + V (CMD + V for Macs).

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Why doesn't the link you sent me in an email work?
A:  Check to see if your browser is receiving the entire link that we provided. Sometimes, if the URL is too long, your email program may display it on 2 lines, and the second line is not sent to your browser. If that's the case, copy (CTRL + C; CMD + C for Macs) and paste (CTRL + V; CMD + V for Macs) the complete URL into the address bar of your browser.

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What are some common error messages?
A:  Common error messages include:
Microsoft OLE for SQL server error - Occurs when our database management system that responds to queries is not functioning correctly. This may prevent you from logging in, or accessing resumes and agents.

HTTP 404 File Not Found or Page Cannot Be Displayed - Occurs if there is a failure in the connection between your browser and our server, or if the URL is not entered correctly. You can often bypass this error by clicking refresh or reload on your browser toolbar.

HTTP 500 Internal Error - Occurs when the file or Web page cannot be accessed because of server-configuration problems.

CreateRecordset error '8004166a' Expecting Phrase - Occurs when there is extra punctuation in the criteria of a keyword search. For example, if you had a comma after your last keyword, this error would occur. More keyword search tips.

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Are there site compatibility issues when using WebTV?
A:  WebTV is not capable of using some of the more advanced features of Monster, such as pages that include Javascript. We recommend that you use Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape Navigator 4.7 or above.

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How do I clean out my cache or my temporary Internet files?
A:  Please follow these instructions for cleaning out your temporary Internet files or cache:

Netscape

  1. Click on Edit on the tool bar at the top of your browser and then select Preferences.
  2. Expand the Advanced category by clicking on the + sign next to the word Advanced.
  3. Click on Cache, then click on Clear Memory Cache and then Clear Disk Cache.
  4. Click OK and you're all set.
Internet Explorer
  1. Depending on which version of Internet Explorer you are using you will click on either View or Tools on the tool bar at the top of the browser and then select Internet Options. The pop-up screen defaults to the General tab.
  2. Under Temporary Internet Files, click on Delete Files.
    Under History click on Clear History.
  3. Click OK and you're all set.
AOL 9.0 Optimized
  1. At the sign-on screen, click on the Settings link located on the toolbar.
  2. Click the Offline storage button.
  3. By default, the Maximum Disk Space for Online Art sis set to approximately 60 MB. Drop this number to the lowest available setting.
  4. Click Save button.
  5. Exit the settings area, which should automatically close AOL. Make sure that the AOL software is shut down.
  6. Repeat these instructions and change the maximum disk space back to 60 MB.
AOL 9.0 SE
  1. On the AOL toolbar, click Settings.
  2. Under Customize AOL, select View All.
  3. Scroll down to the How AOL Works section and select Internet (Web) Options. The AOL Browser Settings window opens.
  4. Under Related Settings, select Internet Explorer settings.
  5. In the Temporary Internet files section, click Delete Files.
  6. Click OK to begin deleting the files. This process may take awhile depending on how many files there are to be deleted.
  7. Click OK to close the window.
Note: You can also use the Clear My Footprints option to erase your browsing history, cookies, cache, and blocked pop-up list. To do this:
  1. On the AOL toolbar, click the Settings icon.
  2. Click the Internet [Web] Options link.
  3. Click the Clear My Footprints tab.
  4. Click the Clear My Footprints button.
  5. Click the Yes button.
AOL, earlier versions
  1. Click on My AOL on the tool bar at the top of your AOL screen and then select Preferences.
  2. Under Preferences click on the WWW icon.
  3. The pop-up screen defaults to the General tab.
  4. Under Temporary Internet Files click on Delete Files and under History click on Clear History.
  5. Click OK and you're all set.

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How do I enable cookies?
A:  Please follow these instructions for enabling Cookies:

Internet Explorer 6.0 for Windows

  1. Click Start menu from Desktop.
  2. Point to Settings.
  3. Click Control Panel.
  4. Click the Internet Options icon.
  5. Select the Privacy tab.
  6. Move the Privacy settings slider to Medium.
  7. Click OK .
  8. Close Control Panel.

Internet Explorer 5.X and AOL 7.0/6.0/5.0 for Windows

  1. Click Start menu from desktop.
  2. Point to Settings.
  3. Click Control Panel.
  4. Click the Internet Options icon.
  5. Select the Security tab.
  6. Click the Internet icon.
  7. Click Custom Level.
  8. Scroll down until you see Cookies.
  9. Select Enable under Allow cookies that are stored on your computer.
  10. Select Enable under Allow per-session cookies (not stored).
  11. Click OK, and click OK again.
  12. Close the Control Panel.

Internet Explorer for Macintosh

  1. Click the Edit menu.
  2. Click Preferences.
  3. On the left margin, click Cookies under Receiving Files.
  4. Next to When receiving cookies:, select Never Ask.
  5. Click OK .

AOL for Macintosh

  1. Click the My AOL menu.
  2. Click Preferences.
  3. Click the WWW icon.
  4. Click Advanced Settings.
  5. On the left margin, click Cookies under Receiving Files.
  6. Next to When receiving cookies:, select Never Ask.
  7. Click OK and click OK again.

Netscape 6.X

  1. Click the Edit menu.
  2. Click Preferences.
  3. On the Categories list, click Cookies below the Advanced option.
  4. Select Accept all cookies.
  5. Click OK.

Netscape 7.X

  1. Click the Edit menu.
  2. Click Preferences.
  3. On the Privacy and Security list, click Cookies.
  4. Select Accept all cookies.
  5. Click OK.

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What is MonsterTRAK?
A:  MonsterTRAK is the leading online global careers site for college students and alumni to find jobs, internships and part-time work during school and jobs after graduation. In addition to targeted Job Postings, the site features a range of career management resources including relevant articles, Job Search tips, alumni networks and compensation evaluation tools.

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How do I use MonsterTRAK to find a Job?
A:  From www.monstertrak.com click Students/Alums. Click your school's state on the map and then select your school from the list of of College & Universities OR from the list of Graduate Schools & MBA Programs and click the Click Here button and follow the on-screen prompts.

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How do I get my school password?
A:  To access MonsterTRAK, you must be a student or alumnus/a from one of the participating campuses. Please contact the career center or job placement office at your school to get their MonsterTRAK school password.

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My school is not a member, where do I go from here?
A:  If your school is not listed, please have your campus career center contact MonsterTRAK at (888) 562-8725. MonsterTRAK is provided free of charge to the schools. You can also search jobs and internships posted to MonsterTRAK's general Job Search.

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Will my Monster user name and password work here?
A:  Your Monster account information will not work with MonsterTRAK. Please contact your college's career center or job placement office to get the appropriate MonsterTRAK school password in order to gain access to your school's site and to create a MonsterTRAK account.

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How can I retrieve my MonsterTRAK Username and Password?
A:  From www.monstertrak.com, click on the 'Forget Your Password?' link to have your log in information emailed to you. If your email address has changed, then contact MonsterTRAK directly using the contact us page.

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Why am I being prompted for a school password when I log in?
A:  The school password that you originally registered to MonsterTRAK is no longer valid. Please contact the career center or job placement office at your school for the current school password. With the new password, you will be able to login with your own user name and user password. When the invalid school password screen appears, type in your school password and click, Go (Note that the school password is something different from your user password).

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Are the work opportunities I see limited to students at my school?
A:  When employers post job listings on MonsterTRAK, they choose which schools they want to target. Employers have the option to post jobs to one, many or all schools that are part of the MonsterTRAK network.

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Why is my job search returning few results?
A:  The search criteria you are entering may be too detailed; try searching on fewer criteria. For example, try a Job Search using only the Job Type and Job Function criteria. You can always narrow your search more if you get too many results. If this still returns no results, then you may need to adjust the cache settings on your Internet browser.

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