Using the Internet to Locate Jobs

In the past, job seekers have been forced to rely on newspaper classifieds and word of mouth to locate jobs. Hours have been spent printing up resumes and sending them through the mail, often resulting in weeks or even months of waiting for a response. Driving all over town looking for 'Help Wanted' signs is time consuming - and often fruitless - and unemployment can be frustrating.

Now, searching for jobs is easy, and takes far less time. Websites dedicated to employers and job seekers have popped up all over the net, offering convenience both to those seeking employees and those searching for employment. One can design a resume and send it to scores of employers with the simple click of a button, and companies can post detailed job descriptions in their quest for just the right candidate.

Despite convenience, however, there are good and bad ways to go about Internet job searches. Some sites require monthly and annual fees; others are magnets for illegitimate employment opportunities; and still others impose contracts which bind you to monetary agreements. One must be careful when using the Internet for any purpose, but extra caution should be utilized when using it to find a job or career.

One of the most popular sites for employment searches is Monster.com. Monster is an excellent search engine for categorized job opportunities, and also offers resources for creating resumes and cover letters. They provide tips for first and second interviews, as well as first impressions for prospective employers, including how to dress and what to say and not say. I would even go so far as to say that Monster.com is the definitive resource for job opportunities nationwide. It is well-organized and easily navigated, as well as appealing to the eye. There are no costs associated with using this service as long as you are a job seeker; employers posting job descriptions must pay a nominal fee.

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