Since the creation of mega job boards Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com, millions of Americans have relied on the internet to land their next job. With unemployment numbers approaching record highs, a different type of website has emerged. A "jobless" board.
JoblessJoe.com is an online community for the unemployed. The website is filled with helpful information about resume writing, “bulletproofing” references, cutting insurance costs and more. While the site was developed to be a one stop shop of sorts for the unemployed community, unemployment is not a criteria for membership. After just one visit to the site, it's clear to see that anyone can benefit from the resources provided on this website.
Austin executive Zack Metzner says that he created JoblessJoe.com to provide a “community support system” for the jobless. Metzner recalled feeling very alone and panicked after being laid off in 2000 during the dot.com bust. Metzner says, “ I was sitting there, jobless, one of millions…..a jobless Joe.”
The recent surge in unemployment motivated him to create this online community that provides resources and information for those that find themselves dealing with the challenge of being unemployed.
At one time, posting a resume on one of the “big boards” like Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com would generate activity. A few phone calls and e-mails, perhaps an interview or two. That no longer seems to be the case for many jobseekers in this day and age. With nearly 14 million unemployed Americans, the competition for every job is stiff. Recruiters and HR Managers are inundated by an overwhelming number of responses to each and every job posting.
Although the site was created to be an online community support system for the jobless, Metzner’s hope is that his site will help many of its users find jobs. While Metzner advocates some online resources, he highly recommends using job fairs to make a personal connection and get face time with hiring managers and recruiters. Visitors to the site will also find that a strong emphasis is placed on personal networking and utilizing contacts from previous jobs to identify potential job opportunities.
In addition to making the most of these face to face opportunities, Metzner recommends utilizing social networking sites including Linked In to broaden your web footprint.
To read more of Metzner's advice and other helpful information, please visit www.joblessjoe.com.
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