Avoid most common Internet recruiting mistakes

The Internet is an invaluable tool in the recruiting process. However, this resume gold mine will turn into an ineffective time and money drain if companies do not learn to avoid certain blunders.

The first mistake is failure to plan. It is critical to think like a job seeker. What sites will he be utilizing? Post your help wanted ads at Web sites he will review. Buy access to resumes in databases in which job seekers will think it's worth their time to post resumes.

Missouri WORKS!, the Missouri Ca-reer Center site at works.state.mo.us, is a must for both advertising and candidate searches.

Although primarily used by entry-level applicants, you will also be able to fill professional and supervisory positions. Two other choice sites are monster.com and hotjobs.com, which was purchased by monster.com last year.

Both sites attract mostly professional and management candidates, but you will find some clerical applicants.

The second mistake is failure to properly use the company Web site for re-cruiting. Load the job descriptions for all positions to ensure you have plenty of resumes when a job does become open and needs to be filled quickly. Clearly display which jobs actually are available.

Make it easy for job seekers to apply by using online applications. Be sure the Web address is mentioned in every company-oriented marketing strategy, such as business cards, brochures, print media advertising and electronic media advertising.

The third mistake is improper employment advertisement content. Take advantage of the fact that the majority of sites allow unlimited words. Stop thinking about traditional newspaper advertising where you will be charged for every line. Input extensive information regarding the job responsibilities, the position requirements, your company history and philosophy, the tangible and intangible benefits offered, and the geographic area. Write about everything that will sell the job, department, organization and location.

Do not use abbreviations. State multiple ways to reach you, such as Web sites, e-mail, regular mail, standard telephone numbers and toll-free numbers. Since a job seeker will be using keyword searches to discover your advertisement, if a keyword he might use is not in your ad, write a statement at the end of your ad that lists all potential key words.

The fourth mistake is not utilizing a resume robot. Resume robots scan re-sume databases and newsgroups on the Internet to find resumes. The amount of time it takes to perform a do-it-yourself search is causing robots to gain in popularity. All you have to do is input keywords you believe will be on your resumes of choice. A fee is required for either a monthly subscription or piece of software. Options include ITTA.com, resumedetective.com and skillbot.com.

The fifth mistake is not using Usenet newsgroups. Usenet began before the Internet started as a means for large groups of people to exchange information. The Usenet has some newsgroups that permit free job postings and resume reviews. One newsgroup with resumes is misc.jobs.resumes. A newsgroup allowing job postings is misc.jobs.offered. entry. Carefully read and follow the Fre-quently Asked Questions (FAQ) prior to posting jobs and e-mailing candidates.

Complete your recruiting strategy and avoid these Internet mistakes to more rapidly fill your positions with qualified candidates.

(Lynne Haggerman is president/ owner of Haggerman & Associates, a retained search, outplacement, in-house management training, and hu-man resources consulting firm.)