Getting a job isn't only a matter of having the right skills, but also good timing. Human Resource managers are usually buried up to their necks in applications, and they certainly don't go through them all before choosing a candidate. That's why being among the first to apply for a job matters.
Using RSS Feeds in a Job Search
There are many job websites in the Internet today, from simple classifieds like Craigslist to large specialized companies like Monster.com where users create accounts and upload their resumes. Most of these will offer services such as job alerts to their emails or RSS feeds with the latest listings. Job seekers who have never heard of RSS, need not worry – it's fairly new and many people haven't gotten used to it yet.
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication and it is basically a form of publishing data in a standard format so that applications called Readers can access and format them correctly. RSS links are usually identified by one of several common icons resembling a broadcast – usually near the bottom or top of the page. Suite101 keeps it in the front page footer and in section pages.
RSS feeds assist in the race for the perfect job, since the user does not have to waste time browsing the dozens of different websites to look for updated content. By aggregating different feeds into a single reader, all the new content shows up automatically and the user can focus on applying as soon as possible.
Introducing Google Reader
The most popular reader available today is Google Reader. It provides the ability to use key words to search through all the listings, and tags to group items by user-defined categories. It allows people to share contents, follow other users, and much more. The number of unread entries appears on the window (or tab) title, making it easy to spot updates.
To start using Google Reader, job seekers must have a Google account. A Gmail address can be used since Google's applications are all interconnected. Once in, job seekers will need to subscribe to relevant RSS feeds to get the most out of their job hunting.
Finding the Right Job Feeds
Choosing the right feeds to subscribe to can sometimes be more complicated than it sounds. Job seekers will most certainly want to view only the jobs that most accurately fit their profile, or the city they're planning to work in. An IT professional should not be wasting his or her time and browser space with Hair Stylist entries.
Craigslist and other websites allow subscribing to feeds according to pre-defined search criteria – keywords, categories, cities, or a combination of all of the above.
Some sites like JobisJob.com also work as aggregators or mash-ups – they pull feeds from several different job sites and present them in their own format with additional features such as a Google map of related job offers in other locations.
The more subscriptions job seekers add to their readers, the more job entries they will receive daily. By applying as soon as they're posted, chances of getting hired are significantly increased.
Vinicius Alves - Vinny Alves is a Brazilian web programmer, technology writer, and Perl enthusiast with over 10 years of experience building websites, ...
Join the Conversation