Job hunting.. online vs. offline
By katsmeow1213
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
United States
October 30, 2012 7:00am CST
I'm old enough to remember what it was like to find jobs before the internet.. back when you had to either see a help wanted sign in a window, or look in the newspaper then physically go to the business and fill out an application or submit your resume.
These days you can submit applications online and look for jobs on a number of job listing websites.
Personally, I don't think the internet has made job hunting easier. Granted I did get my current job through the internet, and my previous job as well by submitting an online application.
Now I am trying to find new jobs and it seems like a major headache.
I am looking for 2 jobs right now. Firstly I'm looking for a job to replace my current one.. but I am also looking for a part-time job in addition to my current one to help get us through the holidays.
Last week I searched all the job websites I normally go to and submitted a few applications for regular jobs to replace mine.
As for finding a part-time evening job I'm not having any luck. I just want a typical cashier type job. I applied at Target and got an e-mail back saying they're not interested in hiring me right now (and I don't know why.. why wouldn't they want to hire a bank teller during holiday season??). I won't work for Walmart.. there aren't a lot of grocery stores nearby.. and I don't want to do food service.
Doesn't leave me with a whole lot of options.
I think the hardest part about finding jobs online is that so many of them are scams. I used to do most of my job hunting on Craigslist, but now I see that those are all pretty much scam jobs. Heck, half the jobs on normal websites are scam jobs too.
Do you think the internet has made job hunting easier or more difficult?
6 people like this
16 responses
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
1 Nov 12
I do think that it is great that there are so many different opportunities that can be found without wasting a lot of time and gas because of being able to apply for jobs on the internet. However, I do think that the web is inundated with scams and that is the reason that I would prefer to physically go out and look for a job when I'm ready to get a new job.
I think this is just a different realm with a different avenue, but it will never completely replace the old driving around and looking for help wanted signs or just inquiring about possible job opportunities.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85441)
• United States
1 Nov 12
I think overall the internet has made searching for a job easier. How are you at wrapping presents? My cousin got a seasonal job at a department store because of the free wrapping they offered to people who bought Christmas presents at their stores. I think a lot of stores offer that courtesy, so maybe you could find a part-time thing like that? I suck at wrapping.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
1 Nov 12
I can wrap normal squares or rectangles.. that's about it. I'm sure they train you or something though.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157546)
• United States
1 Nov 12
I do not think it is easier to apply online at all. Upload this, download that fax your information. I do think it is a way to weed out those who are not computer savvy. I have never looked on Craig's list for a job, partly because where we are it is not that big and partly because of all the bad stories you hear about it. Online does not have all the answers by any means. Nor does it offer all the options.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
1 Nov 12
I agree I've found it more difficult.
Twice now I've gone to a company's website that I thought I'd like to work for hoping to submit an application. Well you can't submit an application unless there is an opening. But if I went in in person I could fill out an application for them to hold onto in case a position opens up.
I like being able to apply around my own schedule, but I don't like how inconvenient it is to submit an application online.
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
16 Nov 12
I think it's made it easier as well as harder. Sure, the Internet makes it convenient to be able to apply for jobs, but with this convenience comes a price. Not only for the reasons you stated, but because we lose that opportunity to talk with any potential employers face to face. With computers, everyone's exactly the same. And you can't explain things like you can on paper. For example, a split shift schedule cannot be explained on an online application. At the same time, if it wasn't for the Internet I wouldn't have been able to have applied to most of the jobs I applied to. This has saved me a lot, especially with being out in the country. Could you imagine all the driving that would be involved just in applying for jobs? It would have never been possible. So, it's definitely made it easier that way.
Happy mylotting!
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
16 Nov 12
I do miss the way things were before the internet became so popular. When I needed a job I pretty much spent one day driving down the main road where all the fast food places were, and looked for signs or stopped in everywhere and asked if they were hiring. Usually before the end of the day I found a place that needed people so bad, if the manager was on I'd be hired on the spot.
So this searching and waiting is pretty frustrating to me, but I'm no longer looking for fast food type places.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
1 Nov 12
My job isn't going too well lately, I've been having some problems, so I've been trying to find something else.. plus like I said, I want something part-time evenings to help with the holidays.
@deazil (4723)
• United States
31 Oct 12
The problem I have with online applications is my age. I'm 65 and I know some 30 year old is looking at my application and thinking that I'm really old and picturing an 80 year old person. I would much rather apply in person. It's very discouraging. I need a job. And you're right about craigslist. And I don't blame you for not wanting to work at Walmart. I don't even shop there.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
16 Nov 12
We have a Target nearby which sells everything Walmart does, so I go there instead. Plus, Target has a Red Card, which can be either a credit card or a regular debit card and it saves you 5% on EVERY purchase. That makes it worthwhile to me. I've saved over $100 this year!
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
30 Oct 12
I do think that online applications for some places get overlooked. I know we had access to online applications at Taco Bell, but we rarely looked at the website when looking for employees. I went through the applications that people brought back to the store or filled out while they were still in the store first.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
2 Nov 12
Back when i was hiring people i wouldn't have hired anyone w/out meeting them & interviewing them about the job i wanted them to do. i wouild not hire anyone who called instead of coming in.
@GemmaR (8517)
•
30 Oct 12
When I finished my degree a couple of months ago, I pretty much decided that I was going to try and work online instead of getting another job. It worked for me for a couple of months, but then I realised that I was spending far too much time around the house instead of taking the time to think about what else I could be doing, so I have recently made the decision that I could look for a job in my local town instead. I hope that I will get one soon, as I am no longer enjoying spending the whole of the time around my own house.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
30 Oct 12
Being home too much does get boring and you miss socialization.
@ginahinderliter (270)
• United States
1 Nov 12
I think it depends on the place you're applying. Now a days some places require you to apply online. I am curious why you wont work for Walmart. They're really not that bad of a place to work for. Though I'm sure that's also depending on what part of the country you live in. I worked for them and I have to say it was one of the best jobs I ever had. Just my opinion though.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
31 Oct 12
I think job hunting has been easier over the years most especially if you have the skills that the jobs needed requires of. Mostly now, I could see various positions for a virtual assistant. If you have typing skills, computer literate, good communication and writing skills, patience and pleasing personality, that is enough for you to have a job.
@ARIES1973 (11426)
• Legaspi, Philippines
2 Nov 12
Hi kats!
I found my permanent job way back before I learned about internet. But most of my cousins, the younger ones, were able to find their job through internet searching and they are very happy about it. We live in the province and they applied for a job in the city. Instead of going there during the time that they will just be applying, they applied online and they just go to the place when they were hired already. So I think, it also a case to case basis. Just like when applying offline, there maybe times that the luck is not with us, but generally, finding a job online is a good idea.
Have a nice day!
@seliokas (346)
• Lithuania
30 Oct 12
Off-line jobs are so much better, let me tel you why.
First of all, half of jobs in the Internet are scam, and you never know when your legit job will turn into scam as it happens every day.And secondly it's even hard to find a job who scamms, i don't talk about legit job haha.
And don't be so spoiled, why wouldn't you work at Walmart? I worked there and i don't think job there are hard. Of course, try finding a better job in bank or groceries, but if it doesn't work, i recommend to apply to Walmart.
Happy mylotting!
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
30 Oct 12
I have a good job.. I don't NEED another one. I want another one for more money.. but since I don't NEED it, I can work wherever I choose.. and I choose not to ever work for a company like Walmart!
@Sindelle (824)
• United States
31 Oct 12
I've managed to land a few nice jobs using the internet. For me I find it makes job hunting easier. As for your difficulties unfortunately jobs are scarce right now so perhaps their current cashier has a PHD lol. I was considering a part time job myself. I've been seeing a lot of work from home customer service positions poping up that pay decently. Did you ever consider a job like that? Also call centers tend to pay decently compared to department stores. I used to do collections years ago and I got decent pay and a nice fat commission check every month. Anyways good luck in your job hunting. If you haven't already perhaps try www.monster.com.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
30 Oct 12
Id say do alittle of both. Go out in the daylight hours, and search online later each day. Gives you two good chances at finding the job you want. Good luck.
@MiaFerrari (51)
• Argentina
30 Oct 12
Hello! I am currently looking for a job too, so I know what you mean. I use both methods (internet and "old school", checking for help wanted signs on shops).
In my case, internet is just one more option, not necessarily the best -just an extra tool.
