6 Ways Online Job Boards Can Get You Hired
November 27, 2011, By Chandlee Bryan 0 comments
Think the best way to look for a job is not to apply? Heard that applying online for a job is futile? Think again.
A recent CareerXroads survey of U.S. companies with over 2,500 employees found that—outside of referrals—job boards are the most frequent way employers find new employees. "Job boards are not dying," says industry expert and "Job Board Doctor," Jeff Dickey-Chasins. "Job boards help job seekers find jobs, and help employers find candidates."
Why do employers need help finding candidates? Attracting applicants can be as challenging for employers as the job search is for job seekers. Case in point: Jobs2Web reports that employers can only expect to hire one person from every 826 visitors they receive on their corporate website.
"Job boards remain the most efficient way for an employer with an opportunity to get the opportunity out in front of candidates in a targeted way," says Tony Lee, Publisher of CareerCast.com, "They are fast. They are cheap. There are job boards out there for every niche you can imagine. If employers use the ones that match their niche, they will be successful."
Here are six ways to use job boards to your advantage for your job search:
1. Start your search using the same sites you use to stay current when you are employed. "Think of where you go online now for information related to your job. That's where you should start your job search," says Lee. "If you are an accountant, go to news sites and professional organizations that help you stay current. Do the same if you are a building supervisor or a sales manager. When you go to the sites where you get information about your profession, it's likely you will find a targeted job board there."
2. Find your niche. "Be judicious in your use of the boards. Don't spam your resume onto every site you find," says Dickey-Chasins. "Use the sites that focus on your profession." To get started, check out Eric Shannon's list of 100 top niche job boards."
3. Go mainstream. Hiring managers often use a combination of sites and strategies to find candidates. Even if you've found great niche job boards, it can pay off to also submit your information to Monster and Career Builder: Over 88% of CareerXroads survey respondents said they'd hired at least one candidate from Monster in 2010.
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