If you’re looking for a new accounting position, the Internet offers a wealth of resources. But be aware: It’s not a panacea.

On the one hand, using the Web simplifies your job search. You can locate vacancies and contact hiring managers faster and more easily, and the Internet’s 24-hour accessibility lets you conduct your search at your convenience. However, the sheer volume of information available can make it more difficult, since evaluating and weeding through the wealth of material can be very time consuming. Your success will depend on knowing how to best take advantage of all the Web has to offer.

Here are some of the online job resources you can mine and some advice for maximizing the value of each:

Job boards

Employers of all sizes and in every industry are apt to list their job openings on sites with strong brand recognition, such as CareerBuilder.com and Yahoo! HotJobs. The difficulty, however, is that major job boards frequently have so many listings that sifting through them can become overwhelming. For that reason, you’ll want to supplement the big boards with specialized resources for the accounting profession. In addition, visit the Web sites of staffing and recruiting firms that specialize in your field and maintain their own job postings. Some, such as Accountemps, even offer detailed career information and job search advice.

One way to tame the profusion of listings is to use the big job boards for your preliminary research. Pull up a few listings in a field that interests you — cost accounting, for example — and read the job descriptions. Look for words and phrases that commonly appear, like “cost-benefit analysis” and “inventory valuations.” Then use those terms as keywords to refine your search.

Other sites with job listings

Professional association Web sites are another source for job listings. At the AICPA’s CPA Career Center, for example, you can search on multiple variables, including company and desired salary level. State CPA societies often feature job listings as well as other information of interest to accountants.

Also check the corporate Web sites of employers that interest you. Not only will you find important information about the company itself, but many sites list internal employment opportunities as well. Most major accounting firms, for example, have sections on their Web sites where you can search by location and job type.

Networking sites

Networking is one of the most effective ways of locating new opportunities, and the Internet makes it easier than ever to expand your base of contacts. To increase your visibility and connect with other professionals, try an online networking site, such as LinkedIn.com or Ryze.com. On these types of sites you’ll find people who can give you information about a position or employer you’re researching.

Networking sites are good sources for career advice as well. If you’re looking for a job in tax accounting, for example, other tax accountants might be able to answer any questions you have. You can ask about target companies and get open, candid opinions about employee turnover and the organization’s prospects — possibly even information about hiring managers you will meet in upcoming interviews.

Just as you would in person-to-person networking, maintain the relationships you build online by reciprocating the assistance you are given. If you can offer help to those who ask for it, do so.

Don’t ignore offline resources
 
As helpful and efficient as online resources can be, they shouldn’t be the sole instrument in your job search toolkit. Meeting face-to-face is still the best way to learn what a potential opportunity would be like and to explain your skills and attributes to people who can most likely help you. For a firsthand look at a firm, for example, your best bet is an informational interview with one of its employees. In addition, contacting a recruiter specializing in accounting positions can open the door to thousands of opportunities, including many that are not advertised. Having a personal connection with a recruiter who knows your career goals and will work on your behalf can give you a huge advantage in the job market.

Just as it has in virtually every aspect of life, the Internet has revolutionized the job search. Using the plethora of online tools available will save you time, provide you with up-to-date information and allow you to explore a variety of career avenues. The best searches, however, combine online resources and personal approaches to bring you closer to the most rewarding position.

Accountemps is one of the world’s first and largest temporary staffing service specializing in the placement of accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. The company has more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and offers online job search services at www.accountemps.com.