Job hunting? Go online
2008-04-22 09:39
Toronto - Job seekers should tap
into online networking sites to help hunt down potential
employers, new surveys suggest.
The polls, conducted in Canada and the United States on
behalf of California-based recruitment firm Robert Half
International, showed that most executives believe that professional networking sites will prove useful over the next three years for job seekers.
"Networking sites can be used to identify new career
opportunities, create online profiles that highlight one's
skills and experience and build a roster of business contacts
over time," Max Messmer, chairperson and chief executive of RHI and author of Job Hunting for Dummies, said in a statement.
Of 100 senior Canadian executives interviewed, 67%
said they thought professional networking sites - such as
LinkedIn - were useful for recruiting new employees, and 25%
said they thought social networking sites like Facebook
would be useful.
Executives were asked: "Which of the following technology
tools do you believe will be most useful in your firm's
recruiting efforts in the next three years?"
In the US, 150 senior executives asked the same question
by RHI last week showed similar results. Of those polled, 62
percent said professional networking sites were useful for
recruiting new employees, and 35 percent said social networking
sites were useful.
Although online networking can play a role in helping
people to find work, Messmer said job seekers should continue
to use traditional job-hunting methods.
"Tried and true methods, such as networking at industry
events, submitting well-written resumes and cover letters, and
diligently following up with hiring managers are still
essential to landing the ideal job," Messmer said.
Five ways to benefit from online networking:
Craft your profile carefully.
Ask for recommendations.
Build your list of contacts.
Don't post anything you wouldn't want an employer to see.
Don't stop networking once you have a job.