Job Hunting? The Internet May be Your Best Resource
by Michael Fleischner
If the thought of looking for a new job conjures up images of an oversized cup
of coffee and a stack of Sunday classifieds, it might be time to re-think what a
job hunt entails. Thanks to the Internet, newspapers are no longer the only "go-
to" source for finding job prospects.
Search Online Recent research has found that the Internet is the primary source
of job postings for more than 71 percent of job-seekers. Newspapers continue to
be popular and are typically used in conjunction with the Internet by many job
seekers. However, the Internet is valued not only as a legitimate source of job
postings, but as a fruitful source of jobs most likely to result in actual job offers.
Some attribute this trend to the ability to use electronic media to more closely
match an individual's specific experience and abilities to specific jobs through
resume optimizing - a process that can't be accomplished via fax machine or a mail campaign.
Know What Works
There are several well-established job sites on the Internet, including Yahoo
Hot Jobs, Career Builder, and Monster. Each site allows you to search for jobs
by keywords, titles, and locations. In most cases, you can apply for the jobs
online as well as post your resume for potential employers to view. Each site
may present you with different results, though, depending on which sites
companies use to publish their job postings.
There are also several "niche" sites available that target specific professions,
experience levels, or age groups. Sites such as TheLadders.com (for job seekers
making $100,000 or more) currently make up 70 percent of the approximately
40,000 online job sites and may offer a great way to narrow your search,
depending on what you're looking for.
However, search engines designed specifically to troll a variety of job sites
are also available and are a great way to search as many sites as possible all
at once. Job search engines such as Indeed.com, Jobster, and SimplyHired.com
will pull results from the big name job sites, as well as feed you results from
the job boards of major corporations, associations, and newspapers. Results can
be narrowed down to geographical areas, so local listings that may interest you
will pull up as well.
Use Your Resources
Networking is still a popular means of locating jobs, although its usefulness in
locating job opportunities may have diminished - although only a bit - in the
shadow of the Internet. Online job postings are comprehensive and easy to sort
through, but there's still something to be said about rubbing elbows and making
yourself known to key players in your industry.
Make the best of your job search by using all the resources available to you:
the Internet, the newspaper, and your real-world connections. A multi-pronged
approach to the job market is sure to wield you the best results ... and your next job!
Michael Fleischner is the Managing Director of ResumeEdge.com, one of the
nations leading
resume writing service providers,
offering professional resume writing, editing, and guidance. For additional resume
writing resources, including free
sample resumes, visit
http://www.resumeedge.com today!
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