by Nadine Odo

Created on: August 18, 2008

All in all, I'd have to say that Monster is useful during a job search. Will it help you find the job of your dreams? Probably not, but it is loaded with tons of information that'll help you to land that great job. All you have to do is spend some time exploring its nooks and crannies.

If you're looking for job openings, you'll need to do more than upload your resume to Monster or some other big search engine, then sit back, expecting a company to find you. You'll also need to find out how any professional organizations that you have joined over the years can help you in your search. Professional organizations usually have job boards as well as opportunities to gain a higher profile (eg, participating in local/national committees and listserves). You should also find the "help wanted" sections of company websites, where you'll find jobs that won't show up on Monster if they can find good candidates without paying a fee to Monster.

You should also become your own Monster. Tell people at your church, hiking club, etc., that you're looking for a job. Someone may know of a position that you might be right for, but they won't mention it to you if they don't know you're looking. Ask around and find out if people getting hired in the jobs you want have more education than you do. You may want to pursue an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree. Or perhaps a certification can open doors for you.

As a job search engine, Monster is pretty good. You can filter your search for jobs based on the job's posting date, career level, years of experience needed, and education level required. In my market, there aren't many jobs, and even fewer that are right for me, but if you live in a larger city, these filters can be quite useful.

On the other hand, as a one-stop shop for all kinds of information that will enhance your job hunt, Monster is more than just pretty good. In addition to advice on writing resumes, dressing for the interview and the like, it also has self-assessments to help you to understand what kinds of jobs match your personality. Monster's Career Advice Community is where you need to go to give and get advice on changing jobs, age issues, and so on. There's even one called "Vent!" You can also subscribe to newsletters focusing on various topics that will be sent to you by email.

The Diversity Job Search section has interesting articles, not just about race or gender issues, but also about disabilities and gay/lesbian issues. If you're relocating, check out the Relocation Center, which can tell you the average household income of the city you're moving to, offer moving services, and provide insights about the "trailing partner." The trailing partner is the spouse or significant other who is having to pull up roots because his or her loved one has landed that great job in another city.

A friend of mine found a job on Monster, so it does work for some as search engine. That didn't happen to me, but the advice and blogs were far more useful to me than a few job leads.

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