How to use the Web to Improve Chances of getting Hired
The Internet has become a popular medium of communication and exchanging information word over, and in corporate circles, it is in fact now the preferred means. In such a state of affairs, a profile in the internet has become the norm rather than the exception, and using the web to improve hirability has become essential. Many employees check out the prospective employee's profiles in various social forums and other sites before finalizing the hiring.
There are many ways to enhance your hiring prospects by using the web.
1. The most common way people use the web to enhance their hiring prospects is by accessing job vacancies ads in popular websites and applying for the same via the web. In fact, many companies now recruit only through the web and accept only email applications. The listings of vacancies are not limited to such job portals. Many forums, discussion boards and other websites also list many vacancies.
2. The second most common way people use the web to enhance their hiring prospects is by networking. There are many social forums, discussion boards, and communities related to most professions. Joining such websites is a sure way to keep abreast of latest happenings in the field, maintain active interface with others in the profession and also be aware of latest vacancies, that need not always be advertised
3. The third way to use the net to enhance your hiring prospects is by starting and actively maintaining your own websites or blogs, or by writing articles related to your specialization in popular websites. Such activities are sure to be noticed when someone is considering to hire you. This would be a proof of your knowledge and capabilities and you could mention the same to your prospective employers. This could also work the other way rounds. If some employers stumble upon your works in the web and get impressed by it, they might approach you with an offer even without you having applied for the same!
4. The web is a treasure house of information on how to change your jobs, tips on resumes and interviews, knowledge sharing experience from previous interviewers with the same company, recruitment papers, and many other relevant tips. Such information would be comprehensive, updated, and generally more reliable than word-of-mouth tips or tips from books. There would invariably be options to contact the authors and get your specific doubts cleared. Accessing such information would help you get ahead and definitely improve your hiring prospects.
5. If some employers have already short-listed you, you can search the net for information regarding such employers. This will put you in a good stead when facing the interview panel, bargaining for pay and in many other situations. You could also browse the web for the list of companies that are likely to hire new people, prepare a customized application letter, and email the same.