Online job sites shouldn't be the only tools used during the job search process. As the economic downturn decreases the number of positions, many job candidates will turn to the Internet as their solution to unemployment. The large number of online job sites can have some advantages, but the Web eliminates in-person interviews, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., an outplacement agency.

"The number of job search engines has grown in recent years from a handful of major players, such as Monster.com and HotJobs.com, to hundreds of sites, offering everything from industry-specific and localized job search engines to dating service-like compatibility matching between job-seekers and employers," says John A. Challenger, chief executive officer.

"However, access to thousands of job search sites on the Internet is not necessarily a good thing. The choices can be overwhelming for those who find themselves either voluntarily or involuntarily in the labor pool. One could easily spend all day, every day surfing the Net for job vacancies, e-mailing resumes and waiting for the phone to ring. Unfortunately, this approach will rarely lead to a new job."

For many unemployed workers, the Internet is the first place to start looking for available positions. The Web is a useful device, but should be considered second to the traditional method of meeting face to face with potential employers.

"Those who make the Internet their primary job search tool are likely prolonging the time it takes to find a position," says Challenger. "Overuse of the Internet also threatens to prolong the hiring process on the employer's end, as well, by inundating employers with irrelevant resumes."

Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. offers tips in using the Internet as a beneficial guide during the job search:

— Obtain names of key people. Visit the company websites in order to find the names, phone numbers or e-mails of those executives in charge of hiring. Message the hiring persons instead of a general e-mail, which will most likely go to human resources.

— Stay up-to-date with the company's news. View the employer website to see if the company is expanding or if new positions will be needed.

— Go to websites for trade associations. View an overall picture of hiring needs and trends among members.

— E-mail contacts indicating job need. Message all your friends and family; let them know you are looking for a job, providing a little background on the type of position and your qualifications.

— Use social sites to communicate unemployment. Inform your network of friends on MySpace or Facebook. Increase your professional network by joining sites such as LinkedIn.

"Job-seekers must learn how to use the Internet as the tool it can be, rather than just relying on it as a conduit for electronic resumes," adds Challenger.

For more information, visit www.challengergray.com.

OFFICE INTERNET USE

When on the company clock, employees may want to pay more attention when using the Internet for personal use. Seventy-five percent of employers monitor workers' Internet activity, according to a survey by the American Management Association. And around 50 percent of managers examine e-mail messages.

Ruth Haag, CEO of Haag Environmental Co. and author of a book series on supervisory management, says the employee needs to remember that the company owns the office computers. She recommends assuming that everyone is looking at your e-mails; someone could be forwarding messages to your boss. Try to only use the company e-mail for business purposes.

Companies should develop a policy regarding whether personal messages can be sent from company e-mails as well as if the Internet can be used for personal reasons. Businesses may monitor employees to make sure they aren't revealing company secrets or wasting time by playing games, according to Haag.

Managers need to set guidelines, assuming that some personal messaging and Web browsing will occur. An agreement can be reached if the workers and supervisors trust each other; bosses that snoop at employees' e-mails and Web history probably won't solve the problem.

Watching workers too closely will most likely create more distrust; it may not be the answer to keep workers on track, according to Haag.

To find out more about Amy Winter and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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