Daily Orange Article #2: How the Internet Eases the Job Search

Although a few quotes were edited out because it came from someone who writes for the D.O. (oops)... I'm hoping that students will get something out of this article.

Check out the Article

As the fall semester ends, Syracuse University seniors are weighing possible post-graduation plans. Options are endless - anything from full-time employment, graduate school or even a year off.

Since time isn't so open-ended, some knowledge in networking typically goes a long way. Debi Walker, assistant director at Center for Career Services, stresses the importance of taking advantage of the tech-savvy resources SU has to offer.

Walker explained new developments to Orangelink, SU's online recruiting software, including switching to a new vendor and a partnership with CareerBuilder.com and how it will be easier for students to use this online tool.

If they don't use additional resources, students "might be missing out on something really great," she said.

"Networking is the still the best way to find employment opportunities," said Tim Kalucki, Information Technology and Services vice president. The firm specializes in consulting and direct staffing with offices throughout the Midwest. He warns students that they need to differentiate themselves in today's job market.

"If you're not competitive and out there, you will get passed over," he said. "It may not be your dream job, but look for a well-respected company. (Recent graduates) need experience and prove that they know how to work in a professional environment."

Another way to network online is through blogs, which can provide a new perspective to job hunters. Blogs connect to one another by linking to thoughts of other bloggers, instantly creating a knowledge network accessible no matter where the user is located.

The business networking site LinkedIn can be used for online networking by anyone, and joining is free. The site is made up of more than 16 million people representing 150 industries. The Web site boasts that "more people have joined LinkedIn than live in Sweden."

But it's no Facebook. The New York Times' blog Bits quoted LinkedIn Chief Executive Dan Nye explaining that the site is a "productivity tool to make professional people more effective," unlike other sites, where "there is a lot of noise and interference."

To find a blog that fits a specific topic, check out Technorati, a search engine devoted to blogs and social media. According to Technorati, which searches a database of more than 112.8 million blogs, there are 175,000 new blogs created every day.

Or, if generating your own content is more your style, create your own blog by signing up for free with Blogger, WordPress or Blogster, among others.

Kalucki, who works closely with college students and professionals to find life after graduation, stresses the need to publish one's resume in cyberspace."Put your resume out in as many areas as possible because you don't know how it's going to get picked up," he said.

His company and many other third party recruiters utilize software that scans the Internet for key words."Since on-campus exposure is limited, get your resume out there - on your home page, Monster.com and Craig's list," he said. "You want as many people to see it as possible."

"Employers say that a lack of research is why students don't get selected or interviewed," Walker said. "You need to be prepared before talking to employers or you are cutting yourself short. The technology is there. You can even (research) at 3 a.m."