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FINGERTIPS

This gratifying convenience has heralded an era of the Internet as the quintessential job search tool. Job seekers are now taking the easy way out and spending most of their job-hunting time in cyber space, at times to the exclusion of all else.

Internet recruiting is definitely here to stay. Yet, even as ubiquitous online searches become the mainstay for finding and getting jobs, does it spell the end of other conventional job search methods?

Well, the cracks are beginning to show already and this promising mode is gradually losing its sheen.

In fact, recent surveys reveal that the number of people who actually obtain their jobs through the Internet is only between four and six percent.

A top consultant observes, “The promise of Internet recruiting for the job seeker is still more smoke and mirrors than reality. The job seeker’s “experience” of the recruiting process on the digital plane is far from satisfying.” In fact, many aspects of the online job search are quite frustrating to job seekers.

Applicants post their resumes and apply for jobs only to hear nothing. They are left hanging without any acknowledgement, or have to be content with a mechanical and automated response at best.

People do not come to know why they are screened out, as they receive no reply or feedback, leave alone an interview call.

Job applications do not reference a title beyond a mere ‘job requisition number’, which makes it quite difficult for job hunters to keep track of the positions they have applied for. Following up on the application is also fraught with problems as particulars about hiring managers and such other details are missing in the job postings. Even directing a resume to a named individual is almost impossible.

Not only is there paucity of quality job information, but some job boards continue to display outdated jobs that are a drain on job seekers’ time. (Nascent and smaller job sites have even been known to post phoney jobs all for the sake of attracting traffic and increasing job hits!) Also most of the postings are for entry-level or temporary jobs only.

The seamier side becomes apparent as job seekers using online job boards are inundated with useless calls from recruiters to siphon references and other such unwelcome solicitations. Adding to the inappropriate misrepresentations, they also try to lure customers by offering ‘upgraded’ services for a hefty fee.

Again, many corporate websites are either difficult to navigate or totally inhospitable to job hunters. Some others do not even host a jobs or hiring section.

The surge of people overusing the World Wide Web as a dominant job search tool itself renders it less effective than it was and even could be. Employers are flooded with a glut of resumes, even irrelevant ones as many job seekers indiscriminately apply for positions irrespective of suitability.

The overwhelming numbers make it difficult to sort, select and respond effectively to applicants.

This crush makes the recruiting process highly impersonal. This adds to the job seeker’s woes. So much so that, a human eye may never even look at a resume, or the automated system may execute it as Spam!

Job seekers should realise what they are getting into before stepping into the quagmire of online job hunting. No doubt, the Internet is the accepted medium for job search and companies do recruit on the Web. But, it’s up to you to use it more effectively to meet your employment goals.

Instead of being swayed by tall claims of popular job boards, concentrate on speciality or localised job sites to get better results. Shift your focus to company websites as it is more effectual in getting employer attention.

Not only will you be more successful in ‘breaking into’ the company, but also many openings are posted exclusively on corporate sites only. Recent research proves that employers are making lesser hires from job boards. In fact, companies deem candidates that rely totally on job boards as too lazy to conduct a real job search.

Improve your chances by amalgamating other offline options like cold calling, networking, personal referrals, etc. Integrating the traditional techniques will round off your job search and build a comprehensive campaign – one that has greater chances of being successful! As career advice columnist, Katharine Hansen questions, “Would you rather compete on a playing field where employers are overwhelmed with the sheer number of resume submissions - or in less competitive venues, such as networking situations, where you have more chance of standing out and impressing a prospective employer?”

The Internet can also be put to myriad other uses ranging from identifying opportunities, researching companies, tracking contacts, building a network to other legwork for better results. Joining online communities and intelligent blogging will also help coin a personal brand.

In essence, rather than depending only on the Internet, diversify and show more initiative to get your dream job!

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