The following is a guest post by Melissa A. Venable, PhD.
Image Credit: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/59957
While bookmarking job search sites — such as Monster and CareerBuilder – is helpful, how often do you really go back and conduct searches for jobs that both meet your needs and match your qualifications? You can streamline the process with job search agents that send you email notifications when employment opportunities that fit your requirements are posted.
Contrary to some reports, you’ll find that job boards are still alive and kicking. The 2012 survey conducted by CareerXroads found staffing managers use job boards to attract the attention of new applicants, with only “referrals” resulting in more hires. Recruiters are actively using these sites, so why not take advantage of tools that allow you to find their jobs more quickly?
Here are a few tips to get your agents set up and working for you:
- Customize your search. Do you need to work in a specific region? Have a salary range in mind? Want to work in a particular industry? What are the keywords or job titles typically used in your field? The primary purpose of a search agent is to filter the literally millions of postings available on job sites to create a list of those you may want to pursue. The idea here is not to create more email, but to deliver short, focused lists of relevant employment opportunities to your inbox.
- Find niche job boards. The big sites have big databases but may not include what you are looking for. Identify sites that include positions from employers hiring in your field. Interested in jobs with the federal government? USAJOBS.gov is the site for you — and JobHunt.org offers great advice on setting up alerts there. Looking for work in the hospitality or culinary industry? Chefjobs.com is another example of a niche site with job alert features. JobHuntersBible.com includes a list of many more specialty sites to explore.
- Review your results. Registering for an account and signing up for notifications is just the start. Schedule time to review the vacancy announcements that arrive via email. Depending on the site, you may also be able to determine how often you receive updates (i.e., daily, weekly). Most notifications will come with brief descriptions and links to more information.
- Tweak the settings. After receiving a few notifications from a new search agent, determine if they include relevant positions – ones you are interested in and qualified to fill. Experiment with the preferences you entered by narrowing or broadening the criteria to fine tune the results. And consider setting up multiple agents, or alerts, within a site if your range of interests is diverse.
- Be ready to respond. What will you do when your agent has located a job that’s a good match? Have your resume and other application materials (e.g., cover letters, recommendations) ready so you can quickly target them to these new opportunities and submit your applications.
Job search agents are also sometimes available through other sources, such as individual company websites. Alumni and college students should check with their schools’ career centers for more information. The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Career Services is just one example of a career center employment database that includes a notification option.
Keep in mind that search agents can be informative, even if you aren’t in the midst of a job search. They offer a way to monitor the types of positions that are open in your field of interest and provide a quick look at what employers are looking for in terms of skills and experience, as well as the requirements of the application process. Having this knowledge of and experience with the resources available will benefit you as a future job seeker.
Add job search agents to your overall career development efforts – as a complement to networking, job fairs, and social media – putting them to work for you as you explore the many options available through job sites. You never know, your agent may find your dream job for you!
About the Author:
Melissa A. Venable, PhD, is a contributor to OnlineCollege.org where she writes from her experience as a course designer, instructor, and career advisor in higher education. You can also find her on Twitter.
