The internet is one of the best resources available for the job filling and job hunting process. The use of the internet in employment is growing at a rapid rate and although the U.S. is still the leader in this field, Europe is fast catching up. A growing number of employers have interactive websites, online application forms and are happy to receive CVs via e-mail. In fact, there are thought to be about 100 000 jobsites and over 2.5 million CVs online! Some forward thinking employers are even using video conferencing technology to conduct interviews with overseas job applicants. One of the main advantages of using the internet for job hunting is the wealth of information available toa job seeker such as information about a Company, employment databases, and vacancies around the world.

INFORMATION ABOUT JOBS

Foreign newspaper websites are ideal as they have vacancy pages and it is a far easier and cheaper option to find them on the internet rather than having to traipse around newsagents to find the actual printed copies.

Companies often post current job vacancies on their websites as well as the details of the application procedure.

Recruitment agencies and online job banks are websites which allow you to sift through and select vacancies according to salary, field and location.

Professional associations often have websites where information can be gathered about job requirements, roles and responsibilities within your chosen field and country.

INFORMATION ON EMPLOYERS

Whether you are seeking a particular position with a specific employer or just simply sending them your CV, it is best to be armed with knowledge about that company. Use search engines and online directories to link to the company's own website where you will most likely find information such as the company history, their mission statement, structure, and information about their products and the services they offer. Some company websites also include profiles of employees which can be useful if you have an interview arranged and know the name of the person who will be interviewing you!

Search engines are helpful as well for ferreting out other related sites which may mention the organisation concerned. It can help to know how that company is perceived by others.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

More and more job hunters are posting their CVs online, mainly through recruitment websites and this is a way for you to catch a potential employer's eye. However, bear in mind that the sheer quantity of CVs on these sites may mean the chances of actually finding a job this way may be reduced.

Through recruitment websites or the company's own website, you often have the option of filling in online application forms. You should however be wary about how your personal details will used (see tips below).

Another option is to e-mail your CV straight to a potential employer, first making sure they actually accept CVs via e-mail!

HELPFUL TIPS

• You will find that it is more difficult to find online information on smaller organisations so don't rely solely on the internet for your employer research!
• There are hundreds of millions of websites on the internet so it doesn't pay to use just one search engine. No one search engine lists every single website.
• Make sure you check when the website you are using was last updated. You want current, valid information.
• When e-mailing your CV to employers, watch out for software compatibility problems.
• Finally, be aware that once your CV goes online, it may become public information, it really depends on the access controls of the website. In the same way, when registering with online recruitment agencies, find out beforehand how your details will be used. The credibility of a site is very important so use your commonsense to evaluate the legitimacy of a site and try to establish whether it is well known and well utilised.

As a starting point, we suggest the following to start it up:

created by: David Anderson