5 Secrets to Using Craigslist for the Job Search
Popular Trading Website also Useful for Finding Jobs
May 14, 2009
Given the popularity of job search engines such as Monster, CareerBuilder, and Dice, many job seekers are missing out on another online job search tool: Craigslist. While this commercial website is best known for trading goods and services on the web, it also features an entire section devoted to job searching.
What Is Craigslist?
Craigslist is a community-based website that facilitates the trading of goods and services in various cities and countries around the world. Unlike other popular trading websites such as eBay and uBid, Craigslist allows people to post classifieds for free. Furthermore, buyers do not have to contend with any up-front bidding. Thus, in addition to other community services and discussion forums, it is the site's simplicity and ease of use that has made it the success it is today.
How Does It Work for Job Postings?
Like an online newspaper, companies seeking employees pay the site to post job openings. Job categories include government, security, technical support, retail, education, biotech, and many more. Job seekers can search for jobs, find miscellaneous jobs, search part-time gigs, post a resume, respond to job ads, and take part in job discussion forums.
5 Secrets to Using Craigslist for a Successful Job Search
Harnessing the full potential of Craigslist in the job search takes more than simply responding to job ads. Job seekers should also:
- Search for jobs in several categories. Don’t just search one job category; often times the same job title can be found in multiple categories. For example, job listings for Flash Developer can be found in web/info design, technical support, and software/qa/dba.
- Search ETC Jobs. ETC stands for “et cetera” jobs. These are miscellaneous pick-me-up job opportunities such as fitness instructors, pet sitters, and research study participants.
- Search Gigs. Gigs are short-term contract assignments. As opposed to part-time work, gigs are project-based. Once the project is over, the work is over. Gig categories include computer, writing, talent, and labor.
- Post a resume. Posting a resume on the site doesn’t place the resume permanently in its database; rather, it posts by date and expires within 30 days. The resume can be re-posted within website guidelines. When posting the resume, include the job wanted in the title so busy employers know exactly what the job seeker is looking for. Be professional and avoid cutesy or clever titles that may appear as spam. Do not begin title with, “Looking for” or “I need a job.” For example, use “Experienced Art Director Seeking Employment in North Dallas at Top Design Firm.” Always include the job title at the very top of the resume.
- Make the most of discussion forums. Talk about the job search and get advice using the jobs forum. This can also be a great place to network and exchange job hunting tips.
If job seekers don’t already have a resume on a major job search engine such as Monster or a profile on Linkedin professional networking website, these job search websites are essentials in today’s social web 2.0 environment. However, job seekers should not dismiss the power of Craigslist in providing job leads and announcing availability for new job opportunities.
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