A Job Search Engine
To Help Your Job Hunting Process

As we all know, it isn't that easy. But don't dismiss them...there are some valuable career information tools on larger job posting websites.

So let's cut to the chase. Here is what I view as the pros and cons of the big job search engines like monster and careerbuilder.

Pros (the positives)

• I love the "create a job alert" function. You can create an automated message that will be sent to your email every time a job is posted that matches your "profile". Look for a tab called "alert".

• I primarily use job search engines for networking and updating my contact list. If you're lucky, you will find a "warm body" to contact about the job posting.

• Search engines will often let you know who's hiring in your area...as mentioned in the job outlook section. Use your career employment skills and make a trip to the location and check it out.

• Use the job descriptions in the employment database to make sure your resume matches the job you are looking for. The job postings will tell you what skills and career education are needed for a particular position.
  

Cons (the negatives)

• Your resume might be one of millions in "the system". Tough to stand out.

• Posting your resume and cover letter sometimes opens you up to unwanted spam offers and unsolicited emails.

• Some organizations use this database to fulfill legal obligations and company policy objectives. In others words, your chances are slim if somebody else is already lined up for the job...and the job advertisement is only there to meet an HR requirement. (my opinion only of course)

• Use them. But don't let them be your ONLY means of for a job search.

• The more tools you use, the better your chances of landing a job.

• Read through the entire job description and see if you match. See if you might need additional training or career education.

• Figure out who is hiring and visit their website directly. See more about this in the career employment section.

• When at all possible, get a name and contact information. I will take a warm body contact over cyberspace any day of the week. Contact them directly.
  

In addition to browsing the job search engines, you may want to consider your contact list and networking as part of your job hunting strategy.

For additional job search strategies, such as the job search engine information found here, take a look at the networking, contact list, career employment, job fair and online jobs sections.

Please check out additional job hunting advice articles such as those found in the:

• career development
• recruitment agencies
• resume help
• cover letter
• job interview
• career advice
• moving overseas

And don't forget to visit the new areas:  federal government jobs, employment background screening, employer liability insurance and employee rights.

Lastly, keep in mind those home business opportunities that might be an integral part of your job search strategy.