Finding a Job, Web 2.0 Style

by Alan Oak, Member

Web 2.0 is not only changing the way technical communicators do our jobs, it’s changing the way we find our jobs. More and more, savvy recruiters are looking online to find the best talent and the best matches for their organizations. If you’re a technical communicator looking for a new job–or even happy with your current job, but wise enough to see the value of Web presence–it’s time to get savvy yourself and expand your opportunities with Web technology.

Meta Job Search Engines

It takes a lot of time to parse through all the (now) traditional jobs sites such as Monster.com and Hotjobs.Yahoo.com. There is a better way: new Web 2.0 meta job search sites such as Jobster.com, Indeed.com, and Simplyhired.com do the parsing for you. Think of them as a Google or Yahoo for job sites. In addition, they will let you set up an online profile for recruiters searching for someone just like you. These sites can even send you e-mail updates or RSS feeds of your custom searches, saving you time and hassle. When you’re using these cool new tools, don’t forget the best site of all–our own LSC Job Bank.

Social Networking Sites

If you’re a member of the STC, you already understand the value of networking. Nothing will replace the face-to-face connection, but why not take it online as well? More and more companies are looking for talent on social networking sites like MySpace.com and Facebook.com, as well as professionally oriented social networking sites like LinkedIn.com.  Companies who troll these sites are hip to the personal tone of the content. They speak the language. As an added bonus you get the opportunity to go on the aggressive and meet people from companies you want to work for. Be yourself, be open, but don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your mom to see.

Blogging

Have a professional interest or perspective to share? Blog about it. Read other people’s blogs. Post on other’s blogs and used trackbacks from their postings about yours. Employers are looking for people who are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, and so they look at blogs. Blogging is a way to establish a track record as an expert on your subjects and get to know other experts. It is also another way to showcase your writing skills and is fast becoming part of many people’s job descriptions. Blogs are a cinch to set up on Blogger.com, Wordpress.com, and other sites.

Discussion Groups

Recruiters are looking through discussion group postings for sharp people. They look at the discussion subjects for who’s asking the good questions, who’s answering them, and who’s getting them right. Sites like TECHWR-L , MITWA, and our own Help Desk cater to technical communicators and can help you with daily professional challenges. But don’t overlook other discussion groups. Whatever your personal or professional interests, however small a niche, log in and participate. Let people know what you are about.

Web Sites

Don’t forget about the good old Web site. There’s nothing like a central hub at “yournamehere.com” to showcase your resume and portfolio. When you post to blogs and discussion groups, have your personal URL in your signature so people–potential employers and people who know potential employers–can get the bigger picture of what you, talented you, are all about.

The Basics

Through it all, online and off, don’t forget about the basics: a good attitude, hard work, nice manners, and a friendly smile. Thank-you notes and gifts of chocolate are (almost) never a miss.