Online job listings have simplified the hiring process. Whether you need entry-level workers or senior executives, you can post job openings quickly and easily on numerous job boards and job sites. And because most job seekers begin their job search on the Internet, it's important that your job openings are listed there. Knowing which job listings are the most likely to attract qualified candidates for your job openings is the first step to making the most of online job listings. In today's Internet-obsessed society, the key to attracting a first-rate job candidate is to create compelling online job listings that expertly detail everything you are looking for in an employee. Although the unemployment rate is currently low, many individuals regularly search job listings sites in constant pursuit of the next best thing. You want your ad to grab the attention of the cream of the crop. Before you start posting job ads on job sites:

1. Determine exactly what requirements need to be highlighted in your job listings.
2. Get acquainted with the posting procedures on major job boards.
3. Develop a plan for reviewing responses to your job listings.

Action Steps for Successful Online Job Listings
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Invest in affordable software for job listings

Writing catchy job listings doesn't come naturally to everyone. To create a focused and information-packed listing, and to protect your business by ensuring that all descriptions are legally compliant, consider purchasing job description generation software.

I recommend: To help you get started, BizTrain offers Descriptions Now, an inexpensive software package that includes templates for more than 3,700 jobs and tools to help business owners customize their job descriptions. Similarly, Hr.Blr.com offers a library of 2,000 job description titles and allows you to view sample job listings for various industries to get ideas.  

Post your job listings on major job boards

Post your job listings on one of the market leaders in the online job search market space where they are guaranteed to be seen by a large and diverse cross section of job seekers.

I recommend: Monster is one of the largest job boards out there, delivering more active job seekers than any other career site. The site provides a special section for employers that includes a chart for determining the fee for posting your ads based on your business location. CareerBuilder.com is another leader in the job boards market and offers a free trial for employers wishing to search résumés. Yahoo! HotJobs provides employers interested in recruitment strategies with customized solutions. 

Post your job listings on industry-specific job sites

If you don't want to beat around the bush, narrow your focus and only post your job listings on industry-specific job sites. This will ensure that candidates' skills will mesh with the needs of your company.

I recommend: To post construction worker job listings, go to Construction Jobs. To post health care jobs, go to Med Hunters. Post your manufacturing jobs at the National Association of Manufacturers.

Use software to organize responses to job listings

Well-crafted job listings may garner an overwhelming number of responses. To help keep track of job candidates, invest in specialized applicant tracking software.

I recommend: RESUMate offers software that converts job listings responses, such as résumés, into searchable database records and tracks applicants through the interview process. Recruitment software from ISYS Search Software notifies users when new job candidates with matching skills or experience enter the system. Browse Business.com's directory for additional applicant tracking options.

Tips & Tactics for Best Results from Job Finder Sites

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Weed through responses to your online job listings quickly. There's no need to waste your time or the time of the applicant if their qualifications don't compliment your business needs.
• •  Even if you don't have an immediate rush of responses, don't get frustrated. It's still a good idea to keep your job listings active so you won't miss out on the perfect candidate when he or she comes along.
• •  The hiring process is often a job in and of itself. Dedicate at least a few hours per week to crafting job listings ads, posting ads to job sites and reviewing résumés.