Chances are it was by browsing employment sites such as Monster.com.
A recent study by The Conference Board shows that 73% of people that searched for a job between the months of January and September of 2007, did it online. These numbers are up from the 66% that pounded the virtual pavement during the same timespan last year.
While searching for a job online isn’t a new concept (Monster started in 1994 as a message board for job seekers), it’s explosive growth has certainly forced entrepreneurs to take notice. With the number expected to jump another 11% in the next two years, maybe it’s time to grab hold of your piece of the pie.
Surprisingly, although 73% of job seekers sought their next employer online, the percentage of people that actually obtained jobs from their online search is still lower than the ever popular method of networking via friends.
I totally agree. I lost my job and I pounded the digital pavement for 2 months. Then one day a friend told me the place where she worked was hiring. That is where I have been for the past 7 months. There is nothing like word of mouth to get you a better job. Besides, the only places that called me for interviews from Monster is the places wanting you to sell knives. I’m not allowed to use butter knives, let alone carrying around a case of butch knives.
i know i’ve looked for jobs online, but i usually hit the pavement when it comes to actually pursuing a job venture. it’s interesting to see the statistics.
Searching for a job online is the best way, because it’s so much easier to do research on companies from the comfort of your home.
But referrals, I suspect, will always top the list of ways people find work. Although, with better and better tools coming online to help with the job hunt, people may find companies they want to work for, track them, and then find a referral *into* those companies to get a leg up on competition.
There are a number of holes in the online job market space. Too many to go into in 1 comment…but I think it’s becoming more and more natural for candidates to do real research online, and not just cruise job boards for listings. Especially passive candidates who already have jobs, but like to keep their options open.
I found it on the job posting site (bascally a monster.com clone) that my old University (RPI) runs
In reality, most jobs today are actually filled by contacts who have an “in” with the recruiter or HR person. So, the best way to get a job is simply to network with as many people as possible. Some of the best jobs aren’t even advertised.