There’s no doubt that the internet has fundamentally changed the way we search for jobs, but has this been for better or worse? As with all technology, success comes down to how well you use it and how effective your underlying job search strategies are.

The Case Against – How the Mobile Internet Can Hinder Your Job Hunt

The danger for some people is that too much reliance is placed on online technologies. Time spent browsing the job advertisements may be better placed networking in person or building up face-to-face contacts. The ease of applying online for jobs, simply by clicking a few buttons, means that many hundreds of people may apply for the same job, using mobile technologies. This simply means greater competition through technology adoption and leaves recruiters overwhelmed with applications, although not always tailored properly to the role or of the right quality.

The speed and ease of mobile broadband also means that there’s a temptation to automatically apply for roles using your standard CV. This is a mistake, as recruiters want to see that time and thought has been put into your application. Simply firing off high volume applications will do you no good at all.

Additionally, the prevalence of the internet means that your employer can use the same mobile technologies to find you, as a potential employee and do research into your suitability. This may include finding you on Facebook, Twitter or other social media sites and attempting to find out more about who you are. There have been a number of high profile cases related to such searches recently and certainly, wise individuals will update their privacy settings accordingly. A good tip is to have a Twitter account and LinkedIn account that deals with work and business only and to keep a private Facebook and / or Twitter account, which is kept private and just available to close friends and family.

The Case For – How the Mobile Internet Can Help You Win That Job

It’s not all doom and gloom, however. With the right device, such as a smartphone, laptop or tablet and good high-speed mobile broadband, you can use the power of the internet to facilitate and speed up your job hunt. For example, you can set up job alerts that match your skills, experience and requirements exactly and have them posted to your inbox. You can search social media sites for jobs and network virtually with people in the industry to find out what’s available and build new contacts. Often, sites such as Twitter are great for starting conversations, which can then translate into the real world.

Similarly, you can use your mobile broadband connection to carry out research into your field and the company that you are targeting, whilst on the move. This is helpful if you’ve secured an interview and suddenly realise you have an information gap or wish to know a certain fact about your potential new employer just beforehand.

You can even create your own website, to accompany the traditional CV and give a better sense of who you are and what you do. This is particularly useful in industries such as the creative or media industries, as well as hi-tech industries where skills can often be demonstrated online.

Even at a basic level, smartphones are ideal for checking your emails as you go, which is good for providing quick responses to recruiters and showing your enthusiasm for the role, as well as your own technological knowledge and skills.

In Conclusion

The internet is a tool like any other, albeit a hugely powerful, life changing one. Using it effectively and carefully will take you one step closer to finding your perfect job and help you prepare for your job application and subsequent interview. Remember to use it strategically, as a tool to aid your online and offline job search.
Author Bio: Emma Hamilton is a freelance content writer and  she writes  articles and blogs on Charter cable  and others cell phones related technologies.