The Monster Blog

How to Positively Leverage the Changes in Job Search Techniques

About 10 years ago, I was offered the opportunity to take a voluntary severance package from a world-class employer. That was the year before the Internet bubble burst. Somehow this employer wanted to shed employees despite a robust bottom line and job market. After three rounds of these offers, I took one, and it enabled me to relocate to a desired location. As part of that voluntary downsizing, I undertook a job hunt in a new region of the country.

Fast forward to now, and I’m in the midst of a non-voluntary downsizing, going through the job quest again. It is a big change from 10 years ago. Foremost is the sophistication of the various technological tools to support your job search. I am just amazed at the amount of change in this regard.

Just a short 10 years ago, almost everything for the job search was done by hand and paper. The only thing really done on computers was the composition of the resume and cover letters. Listings of recruiters and company demographics were all found in libraries and thickly compiled directories and books.

Having the ability to do searches on the Internet and access online databases (either free or for a small fee) has sped up some aspects of the job quest. The job boards employ very helpful software algorithms that you can adjust to help you find the types of job postings you’re looking for and then can customize how you want to hear about jobs by setting communication and frequency parameters. Even working remotely with resume writers allows you to tap into expertise that isn’t necessarily in your backyard.

Also the ability to network professionally is now assisted by various Web sites and computer databases in the marketplace. It lends another facet to meeting people virtually first and then in person. In fact, you know so much more about a person before you meet him that it almost doesn’t feel like a first meetings. As they say in certain parts of the country, a stranger is a friend that you have not yet met. This saying may become more of a national point of view as the social aspects of the new IT millennium develop.

And now the ability to join groups of like-minded professionals in various industry organizations is much easier. One really helpful group has been my alumni association online -- a most delightful surprise. I’ve received a number of small, part-time serious inquiries based on the common passion/history for the college. I would have never met these folks 10 years ago and the diversity of the interests and job possibilities never ceases to amaze me.

Also in the last 10 years, my personal life has changed in a small way. My two young sons factor in the employment possibilities I am considering. Having the Internet 24/7 allows me to work at the job search when they are fitfully sleeping. Since being laid-off, I’ve rearranged my job search hours to allow more of their waking hours spent with me. The flexibility is much appreciated and important for their summer educational development. Ten years ago, this balance of family support and job-seeking activities would have been nearly impossible. In sum, the technological changes in the tools and usability of these tools in my job seeking have made such a positive difference.

How have you been pleasantly surprised by a result of an Internet or another job search tool?

January Is 'Be Nice to a Recruiter Month'

So I was on one of those blogs I tend to frequent -- Technical Careers @ Microsoft. I don't consider my career to be technical, really. Sure, I use computers, but I don't have too much knowledge about them or their programs' inner workings. But this blog is about careers, and I love their picture of a kitty in a Corona box. It's just like the picture on my desk of my cat in a Cider Jack box.

The other day, just to the right of the kitty picture, there was a declaration of how January should be Be Nice to a Recruiter month. That sounds good to me, and it should sound good to you, too.

If a recruiter ever calls you, whether it's because he saw your resume or someone referred you, why wouldn't you be polite? Even if you have no interest in the job he's calling about, someday this recruiter might have a position that would be right for you. So do your best to be helpful and leave a good impression.

Although Jason at Recruiting.com doesn't totally agree. Saying that people who normally wouldn't be nice deciding to be nice "would probably confuse the issue" rather than help.

In the spirit of the month, check out these articles about working with recruiters:

• "What You Need to Know About Recruiters"
• "Know Thy Recruiter"
• "How to Work with Finance Recruiters"