There are thousands of job-related websites on the internet. Some companies have even modified their application forms that now require candidates to give information regarding their internet usage.
Everyone (who uses the internet) has a digital identity. Companies, when hiring, often run an online search to know about a candidate’s past that helps them judge their capabilities. This factor also does good and bad for a candidate.
Highlighted below are five reasons internet technology is helping your job search. Additionally, five reasons how it is hurting your job search are also given below.
How does it help?
1. Easy Search
Now more jobs are available, and one can easily search for the right job using one of the thousands of job search engines. All you need to do is feed in your requirements, and you get the job that suits your needs. Thanks to this technology, one can find a job without burying their face in a newspaper for hours.
2. Easy to Apply
It is very simple to apply for a job. You do not have to go personally to drop your resume as it can be easily emailed, if suitable. Additionally, all the documents can be sent online, which makes it easy for both parties. Thanks to this ease, a person can apply to multiple companies because they do not need much effort.
3. Easy Communication
Communication has become very easy. You can skip calling and waiting in line to get your query answered. Generally, you can get answers by using the online help desk or emailing the company if you have any problems. This has made everything easier and safer, as all the communication is written and saved for future evidence.
4. Easy Decision Making
Making decisions has become easier for both the candidates and the company. Discussing the candidate’s situation here, by using the internet, he or she can search a company’s history online and know how good or bad they are to their employees. Before the internet, people had to take risks as information regarding a company was not easily available. Nevertheless, the internet has completely erased this problem.
5. Word of Mouth
Lastly, buzz marketing helps in this regard. Thanks to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, people come across jobs without looking for them. As a result, jobs are pouring in, and everyone is enjoying it!
How it Hurts
6. Bad History
Remember that all your applications and files are stored on the company’s database if you have previously applied online. Using the latest technology, they can easily get all your data and know how good or bad you are. If you have a bad history, you will be easily caught and find it difficult to get a job, even if it wasn’t your fault.
7. Too Many Applicants
Too many people are applying for the same job due to the ease of applying, which might result in you not getting accepted. This can be problematic as some companies might only go through some of the resumes and choose the best candidate among the first few.
3. Confusion
Some people need help understanding how to properly use the internet and finding it difficult to search or apply for a job. This way, they might not be able to apply for the job and lose out, even though they are capable enough to perform their duties.
4. Mistakes
One can make a lot of mistakes on the internet. What if you fill a form wrong and realize that after pressing the ‘sent’ button? There is no way out!
5. Data
Companies search candidates’ histories on the internet. As a result, many people have been denied jobs due to their activities on social networking sites. Many criticized this, but a solution has yet to be reached.
Hence, it is proven that the internet is both good and bad. It is all about how you use it. On one side, it has made everything easier, but on the other side, securing a job is tougher now.