Job Search: Navigating the 'Net'

By Michele Blandino

It’s no secret that the Internet has put a different spin on the job search process. Between the plethora of all-inclusive job sites such as Career Builder and Monster, those targeting specific industries such as Dice, which covers the technology industry, and the job postings appearing on most companies’ web pages, it’s sometimes hard to understand why many companies even bother placing newspaper ads anymore.

The resources that are used during an Internet job search will largely depend on the circumstances under which the job search is taking place. For example, if you are targeting a specific company you will likely have the most success monitoring the jobs posted on that company’s website. If you are looking for a job in a specific city or region or if you are looking for a job in a particular industry, sites such as Career Builder and Dice will better help you narrow down the possibilities.

The base service – unlimited job searching, resume posting – is typically free. However some also offer a premium service where, for a fee, the job seeker can obtain help in fine- tuning their resume or receive other specialized services. While these sites do contain extensive job listings, time should be taken to scrutinize the listings for some telling details. First, many of the jobs are actually listed by temp agencies. While this may not be readily apparent, the job description should disclose this fact. The job seeker should also take the time to check the date that the job listing was originally posted; the fact that the job listing is on the site doesn’t necessarily mean that the position is still available.

While the resources already listed tend to cover mostly large corporations, small business owners looking for employees (and employees looking for a small business to work for) also benefit from the ease and immediacy afforded by the Internet. Probably one of the most inclusive sites in terms of both the number of cities covered and the types of jobs available is the simple, very popular craigslist.

Making its debut on the web in 1995 as a repository of “things to do” in the San Francisco Bay area, craigslist has grown to include listings for 30 cities in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. The jobs listed on the site run the gamut from accounting and finance careers to one day gigs moving furniture. This service is free to the job hunter. Unlike the employment “super-sites” listed above, the job hunter using craigslist interacts directly with the employer. While this is generally a good thing, some job postings elicit hundreds of responses making it virtually impossible for the employer to properly acknowledge each one.

As in all things concerning the Internet, the job seeker should proceed with caution. Before signing on with any service, be sure to find out if there will be any fees involved at any point in the process.