A Q&A About the Future Job Search with Jeff Dickey-Chasins

by Anthony Morrison on January 25, 2012 in Candidate Advice

OK kids, we’re nearly a month in. 2012 is here.

While we’ve amended our lists of resolutions already, and our gym schedule just isn’t working out as hoped, as a job seeker, there is no room for slacking. Do you really know what’s around the corner?

Fortunately, I had a chance to discuss the future of the job search with Jeff Dickey-Chasins, a.k.a the Job Board Doctor. Jeff is a job board veteran and was the original marketing director for Dice.com!

Curious about what’s ahead in the job search? Here’s what Jeff has to say:

1. From your research, what are the top tools job seekers use in their search today?

Google (or other search engine), job boards, friends/colleagues, [and] online/offline network (including social media)

2. How do employers typically search for and find candidates?

Look at internal database, advertise in newspapers (!), job boards, associations, state workforce development; recruiters (if high level or hard to find), LinkedIn, as well as social media.

3. How has the job search changed much in 2011?

There is a lot more ‘noise’ – it’s harder for job seekers to figure out which of the thousands of listings out there are really good matches for them. [There is also] more choice – there’s a job board for every profession, a LinkedIn group for every company, a Twitter hashtag for every location.

4. How has the job search changed over the past 10 years?

[The job search is] more online, less offline – job seekers turn first to online.

5. How do you think the job search will change in 2012?

It won’t change that much. There might be an incremental increase in social media usage by job seekers. Also, there might be an incremental increase in use of Bing over Google as a search engine.

6. What tools will become more important for job seekers in the future?

I really don’t know. Any tool that allows the job seeker to match his/her skills reliably and accurately to job postings – no matter where the jobs are posted. That would be most useful.

7. What job search tools are becoming irrelevant?

Newspapers (in most cases).

8. Job boards have held an important role in the job search and recruitment marketing. How have they evolved in recent years?

Many boards now allow job seekers to include their LinkedIn profile with their applications. Some are attempting to ‘match’ job seekers to specific jobs automatically. Others are allowing job seekers to utilize their own social networks to help find a job. Most significantly, most niche job boards have done a good job of increasing their visibility inside their specific niche – so, for instance, if you’re an accountant, using an accounting-specific job board has real advantage over using a generalist board.

9. If you could tell a job seeker one tip for the future, what would it be?

Don’t rely on a single method or tool – use multiple tools: your own network, job boards, social media, chambers of commerce, associations, you name it. Don’t rely on online tools exclusively!

10. What industries do you see hiring in 2012?

Health care (nursing, physical therapy), IT, and skilled trades (huge shortage there).

What do you think? Do you see see anything differently for the future job search? Share your comments below.