Job Resources on the Web

The Web-based job resources link to many services offering jobs postings and other career services. The most common features allow you to search job postings and post your resume.

Searching for jobs. Most job search engines allow you to use filters to narrow your search to fewer than the hundreds of thousands of jobs often listed. Many services allow you to save your filter for future use and will send you an e-mail each time there are new jobs matching your filter.

Posting resumes. You will want to post one or more resumes for all the world to see. Or will you? Most job search sites allow you to post your resume. Doing so can be an efficient way get employer notice. Such postings can also reveal your personal information to prying eyes, including current employer, and to those with dishonest intentions. Some sites provide options to guard your identity. 

Does it work? As technical communicators, we like definable steps leading to predictable results. A job search shakes us from that well-ordered world. Some people answer a few job listings and have an offer in a couple weeks. Others have no success searching job listings. Some companies see a posted resume and actively pursue the job seeker. Some resumes seem to go unnoticed. Expect that the history of your job search will not read like a Steps and Procedures manual.

Caveat emptor. Note that some Web-based services charge fees, especially for advanced features . The Middle Tennessee Chapter of STC has no affiliation with nor recommends particular services. The correlation between paying for service and success is unclear.

-Bill Smith, employment VP, 2000-2002