HR Solutions: Usenet newsgroups aid recruiting via Internet

The Internet is a solid tool for finding job candidates, and you will definitely be behind the eight ball if you do not begin using the various creative recruiting options available.

One method gaining popularity is the use of Usenet newsgroups.

Created before the birth of the Internet, this technique exchanges information between large groups of people. Picture a bulletin board with notes posted on top of each other on the same topic. You will have the ability to read through the entire conversation, beginning with the original note, and then jump in and join the group.

Technically this is not considered part of the Internet. Software is needed to read Usenet newsgroups and post information on them.

AOL provides access without extra software, otherwise you will need to purchase Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0, Outlook Express or Netscape Communicator 4.0 Messenger.

Two sites to post jobs are misc.jobs.of-fered and misc.jobs.offered.entry. Use misc.jobs.resumes to review resumes. Za.ads.job allows you to both post openings and read resumes.

The majority of newsgroups focus on specific topics, such as computer programming, nursing or manufacturing. There is no charge to either the individual or the company. With the availability of thousands of sites, helpful search engines to find newsgroups geared toward your topic of interest include DejaNews.com and Reference.com.

Some simple rules of newsgroup etiquette must be followed to avoid letting the world know you are a "newbie" defined as a newcomer to the news group. You also want to prevent being "flamed," or receiving nasty, scathing e-mail messages from numerous strangers. Pain is associated with both experiences.

It is critical to read the frequently asked questions, or FAQs, of each site before using the site. One simple, innocent mistake will result in a flaming. Posters definitely regulate themselves in these self-governing communities.

Be sure to "lurk," or read the Usenet newsgroup for a while without using it. This will give you the flavor of the newsgroup.

Stay on topic. If you are talking in an information technology newsgroup, do not start discussing your need for an engineer.

DON'T SHOUT. Typing in all caps is considered shouting, an extremely rude way to communicate in a newsgroup.

Do not spam, or post the same message to dozens, hundreds or thousands of unrelated newsgroups. No matter what your desperation level is in trying to fill your position, it is not worth it. The result will be the hottest flaming you have ever received. Worse yet, your message may be ignored and you might find that no one will speak to you anymore.

Ignore trolls. Some people receive a perverted thrill when they post highly obnoxious messages that cause you to feel frustrated and angry. A response of any sort is not worth the time or effort.

The number of Internet users is growing rapidly, since this communication tool is the wave of the future.

The response to your traditional help-wanted ads is shrinking rapidly, because everyone who wants to work is working in this historically low unemployment rate environment. Usenet newsgroups are unquestionably a viable alternative way to recruit.

(Lynne Haggerman is president/owner of Haggerman & Associates, an employment, management training, human resources consulting and outplacement firm. She is also author of "The Employer's Guide to Recruiting on the Internet.")