Online recruiting II.

How to become an ace Internet recruiter

Although the major use of Internet recruiting is usually focused on job and resume postings, the wealth of information available on the Web for recruiters is left untapped by many companies.

In addition to using career boards (such as Monster.com and Headhunter.net) and corporate Website pages devoted to recruiting, try implementing these techniques when conducting your Internet search:

Become a "Boolean" expert. Many Web users are intimidated by the term "Boolean operators," which refers to a specific language used on many search engines that will obtain more relevant results when conducting a Web search. The uses of this kind of search are limitless. You can find everything from resumes to corporate directories to association member lists, if you know how to use the Boolean terms correctly. The language is easy to learn, and there are many sites that offer tips and tutorials on Boolean queries. Try visiting or subscribing to such sites as Advanced Internet Recruitment Strategies (www.airsdirectory.com), Recruiters' Aid Kit (www.recruiters-aid.com) or Electronic Recruiting Exchange (www.erexchange.com).

Access Websites of professional associations. Most career professionals are members of an industry-related association. For example, many human resource professionals are members of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Identify appropriate associations through a directory such as the Associations Directory to Regional Detroit, published by the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Encyclopedia of Associations, published by Gale Group.

Most associations have a Website that provides information on the organization, and many include an online member directory. Although access to the member directory is usually limited to members, if it is an industry that you recruit from regularly the cost of joining the association may be worth the investment. Even if you don't want to become a member of the association, the Website will often provide helpful information useful for conducting your search or networking with members.

Visit Websites promoting industry-related conferences. There are thousands of events held every year in cities around the world where professionals from specific industries gather. It is common for event details to be posted on the Web including information such as conference attendees, keynote speakers and agendas. This type of information can be very helpful when trying to identify passive candidates for your opening.

Kimberly Kowalski Is human resources director at Qualigence in Livonia.

Six tips to get the most out of your online job ads:

1. Pick a very specific, descriptive job title. Pick something generic, and your "Mechanical Engineer" could be lost in a long list of other jobs with the same title. A more specific title will stand out to anyone who has the right skills.

2. Be specific about job qualifications and skills. For example, instead of writing "computer skills," mention specific programs like Microsoft Excel that your company uses.

3. Don't forget any of the basics: Job title, department, experience and/or education required, who the employee reports no, job code (if applicable), full- or part-time status, contact name, e-mail, fax number, benefits, location/address, where to find out more about your organization (if you have a Website, for example) and targeted start date.

4. A specific salary or salary range will result in better qualified responses. Why waste your time talking to applicants when you're tens of thousands of dollars apart on salary?

5. Write a company profile that gives the reader a sense of what the work environment is like. People want to know that they'll be working in a comfortable atmosphere that fosters creativity, reward for a job well done and the opportunity for advancement.

6. List all company benefits. Give the job seeker plenty of unique reasons to work for your company. A job seeker's decision to work for company "A" vs. company "B" is often based on what were once considered minor benefits.

Source: NationJob Inc., an online recruiting service that has partnered with the Detroit Regional Chamber.