Is Monster useful during a Job Search – Not Useful
Online job hunting is becoming the first step in identifying potential employers. However, sites like Monster.com are not as effective in the job search as other online methods. While it would seem that the quality of postings would be better than free sites like craigslist.org, this is not the case.
Monster requires that employers pay for job listings. More often than not, the employers that use this tool are temporary employment and staffing agencies. The advertised position rarely exists, and you will just be called in to “interview” with a staffing specialist. These agencies list multiple openings to maximize their return on their advertising investment. There may be jobs available, but they typically pay lower than average for your industry to cover the staffing agencies fees.
Another segment that uses Monster is insurance companies. If your resume is public, you can expect to get phone calls from recruiters to come in and interview with their company. In reality, they are trying to sell you on becoming an independent agent for their company. Unless your goal is to be an insurance agent, you are wasting your time.
Home-based businesses also use monster.com to advertise and build their brand through promoting a business model based on selling to friends and family (as well as personally using the products) to grow a business. These home-based businesses do not provide the income potential to the average person that is advertised. While there are success stories, most of these ventures provide little more than pocket change or only compensate with products.
Other postings are there to promote educational institutions. Colleges, technical schools and on-line universities see this as a great medium for getting people to further their education. These organizations provide a valuable service; however, they are selling their product. After all, many positions today require some education beyond high school. They will tell you about how the field is growing and how you need to skills to meet that growing demand…all to the end of getting you to go to their school, not getting you hired in an actual position.
Job seekers can utilize more effective methods to find a job online, such as:
- Craigslist: While craigslist.org has its share of misleading and false postings, because it is a free medium, employers use this method instead of job engines like monster.com. One drawback to craigslist is the proliferation of anonymous postings – you will rarely know the name of the company advertising the opening.
- Company or public agency websites: An experienced job-seeker will become familiar with companies in his or her area and apply through the company’s website directly. Many classified listings will direct you to the company website anyway. Many public agencies have their own career section, as well, for those seeking employment in the public sector.
- State employment website: This often under-utilized resource can be used even if you are not receiving jobless benefits. These listing are free for employers and provide a resource for job-seekers.
Overall, monster.com is a resource job-seekers can use safely, but finding an actual job is difficult and unlikely through this medium. Job-seekers are better off using other resources in their employment search.
