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The Web Based Job SearchPeople are searching for jobs on the Web. "No doubt about it. Computer technology is spiriting us into an era when jobs and people will find each other in high-speed and interactive ways we never imagined five years ago." (Kennedy, J. "The Job Search Goes Computer." JOURNAL OF CAREER PLANNING AND EMPLOYMENT 55, no. 1 (Fall 1994): 42-46.) A search of the World Wide Web using the terms "job search" and "employment opportunities" turns up an incredible number of sites that offer information on everything from job banks to state employment services to the successful job search to career planning services to resume development tips to every other conceivable aspect of finding a job. This article discusses some of the latest developments in the electronic job search--particularly on the World Wide Web (WWW)--and describes some of the available resources and sites. People find a job in a number of ways, including networking, visiting the public library for information connected with the job search, taking advantage of the resources of the state department of education, and looking at school career centers. Contemporary job search strategies for college students include starting early, getting experience, going directly to employers, making job hunting a full-time job, and using all available networks and connections. These methods are still very effective, but a brand new ingredient has been added to the mix--technology. The vast world of the Internet provides another avenue for those looking for a job. Dolan and Schumacher queried people on several Internet listservs about finding jobs in the library and information science professions. Of the 35 who responded, 20 percent had found a job via the Internet. Respondents indicated that the 'Net is a good job resource for automation or computer specialists, that some positions are listed only on the 'Net, and that ads on the 'Net usually come out in advance of print copy. Most of the websites offer a variety of services, although a few are limited to only one or two. Some are commercial and charge for their services; some are public and/or do not. For general information about finding a job, searching the web using the terms "job search," employment opportunities," or "resumes" will lead to a myriad of resources. To locate information about specific positions, it is more effective to do a keyword search being as specific as possible, e.g., "restaurant management." Doing a job search on the Internet does not guarantee instant success. However, it is a way to increase visibility by offering a resume to a much larger audience than could otherwise be reached. Many colleges and universities include postings of employment opportunities on their web pages. Although most see this as a great advantage, others point out the disadvantages of the electronic job search. Some employers list only those positions that require experienced applicants--not the entry-level jobs. Many of the disadvantages of doing a job search through newspapers--undesirable, hard-to-fill positions; high turnover jobs; few middle-level jobs--are also present in an online search. In addition, it is difficult to authenticate the job sources--are they legitimate? Some discourage students from putting their resumes on display because of the loss of control of personal information. "Technology promises many positive developments for the modern job seeker and human resource professional. Alone, technology is not enough; coupled with traditional methods of job hunting and recruiting, it can be a pillar of support and an outstanding ally." (Kennedy, J. L., and Morrow, T. J. ELECTRONIC JOB SEARCH REVOLUTION. New York: Wiley, 1994.)
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© 2001 BayCon Group, Inc. All rights reserved
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