MCLEAN, Va., June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Job hunting is tough enough in the best of times, but in a down economy even the most qualified candidates find it difficult to get noticed by the right employers.


Rob McGovern, founder/CEO of Jobfox.com (www.Jobfox.com) and founder/former CEO of CareerBuilder.com, says that merely responding to job board ads is not enough for today's career-oriented candidate to get noticed by potential employers.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, job seekers outnumber jobs by five to one. In order to stand out among the sea of competition for a job opening, today's job seeker should have a visible online presence, or 'brand,' with the use of professional career-based web pages.

Until recently, most job seekers spent their time online searching job boards, submitting resumes and filling out applications at various career sites. "While these activities are an essential element of a job search," insists Rob, "smart job seekers have created professional web pages that are easily found by recruiters using Google or Yahoo search engines."

But not just any web page will do. Since many job hunters are already familiar with social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace, and use them extensively to sometimes detail their less than shining moments (e.g., "...you wouldn't want pictures of last week's beer fest in front of the employer," says Rob), he suggests having separate pages highlighting only your career, expertise and qualifications. (Rob's own professional web page URL is www.Jobfox.com/people/RMcGovern).

What should be included on these professional pages? Without the restriction of a one or two page resume and cover letter, a professional web page can include everything and anything about your career. "Be sure to include other important elements like references, work samples, or a photograph," suggests Rob. Pages may also include links to relevant professional videos posted on YouTube, or to articles published or upcoming industry events where the person is speaking, chairing a committee, or just attending to network.

To further demonstrate expertise in their field, writing (or 'blogging') a short review of a recent book, publication, or industry opinion helps the web page get noticed by major search engines and scores big points with potential employers. Active participants in their field should also be using Twitter to openly converse with others about field-related topics -- a "follow me on Twitter" link on your page and an expressive Twitter handle like "@MarketingMaven" or "@FinanceBob" says you're a serious member of your field.

Although Jobfox.com is most known for intelligently matching job seekers with prospective employers, Jobfox also enables individuals to quickly and easily develop their own professional, career-oriented web pages as part of their Advantage Membership plan. Jobfox 'pages' include an interactive 'skills map,' professional work style profile, a place for work samples, links to relevant web sites and more. Job seekers can build their professional career pages at www.Jobfox.com.


SOURCE Jobfox Inc.