How has technology changed your job search?
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EmailThe best job search strategies combine new technologies with an old-school personal approach.
Looking for work has changed drastically, especially in the last 25 years. As you can see below, the web has radically and permanently altered the job search process.
- In 1990, the World Wide Web enabled resumes to be emailed to potential employers. Save the stamps. Mailing resumes is very uncommon, online applications are now the norm.
- In 1998, Google became incorporated with a mission “to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.” Beyond their patented core search engine, Google has expanded into numerous IT products including email, social networking, cloud storage, productivity software, instant messaging, mobile communications, online music service, video sharing, satellite imaging and translation to name just a few. It is commonplace now for employers to “Google” candidates to check out their online presence. Now, the employer’s first impression of you is often made prior to the interview.
- In 1999, the first job boards were created where employers post jobs and candidates post resumes. Currently, there are thousands of job search sites. These sites range from broad, all-purpose generalist job boards such as Monster, CareerBuilder, Indeed, USjobs to niche sites that serve various audiences, geographies and industries such as Dice (IT), Idealist (Nonprofits ), Teach (educators) or Healthcarejobsite. Many industry experts are encouraging job seekers to concentrate on industry-specific sector sites.
- In 2002, LinkedIn was created, enabling job seekers to develop a professional presence, scour the Internet for jobs with its job search engine and make connections with like-minded friends and individuals to expand their network. LinkedIn also provides social proof of your abilities through your connection’s endorsements of your skills, improving your candidacy.
- In 2004, Facebook was developed. Initially targeted as a social network sight for Harvard University students, it has expanded to 1.44 billion active users worldwide in 2015. With so many active users, how are you tapping into your network to find job leads and to uncover the hidden job market?
- In 2005, Youtube was created, allowing job seekers to post video resumes that display their personality, charisma and skills.
- In 2006, Twitter emerged, enabling users to send and read short,140-character messages called "tweets." Twitter reported that it now has 316 million monthly active users. Have you considered developing a “Twesume” to get noticed?
The best job search strategies combine new technologies with the old school personal approach. Expand your job search by using social networking sites to make those personal connections.
For additional trainings, articles and resources to help people look for work, check out the Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development websites.
