If you're reading this, you're probably one of the people who is still hesitant and unsure about using online job search tools. The rapid growth of the internet has fueled market growth and encouraged users to change the way they look for jobs. People looking for work use well-known platforms such as online job portals and job boards. Companies are eager to hire people who can add value to their organisations while also equipping them to better meet the challenges of this era, as is the case with quality human capital. Almost all human resource managers and recruiters are now aware of the convenience and benefits of using online recruitment tools, and some are using them exclusively for their hiring needs. Even HR managers who prefer to use traditional recruitment methods do not completely dismiss the use of online recruitment methods. They do, in fact, look into online recruitment as a means of gaining access to valuable human resources.

Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, the following five reasons will persuade you to conduct your job search online:

• Cost Effective:   It would cost you nothing to search, find, and apply for jobs online. These services are available for free on every job board. They are not, however, a charity, and their services are paid for by the employers/recruiters. You are, in fact, the commodity they sell to the buyers, i.e. employers and recruiters. You don't have to format, print, and mail your resume to the companies where you want to work.

• Time Efficient: Accept it: you despise spending hours searching for and applying for jobs, no matter how desperate you are for work. Applying for jobs advertised in newspapers and magazines takes time and effort, which can lead to frustration and demoralisation for job seekers. As a result, the job seeker may find themselves in a less rewarding position. Online job searching is fast and can produce better results in hours rather than days or weeks. Needless to say, this is not always the case.

• 24/7 Availability: Online job postings are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be found and applied to at the job seeker's leisure. Jobs advertised on the internet do not last indefinitely; they do have expiration dates. Online job postings are removed when they reach their expiration date or when the desired results are achieved, such as a large number of resumes received for hiring.

• Keeps You Updated:  You're still unsure? What if you could send your resume to hundreds of employers in just a few minutes? You don't have to spend hours and days doing research and then applying for relevant jobs. You could do it with just a few mouse clicks

Put your job search on a fast track by taking advantage of the many online job search tools available. Best of luck!

Ali is a freelance writer who focuses on topics such as job hunting. Begin your search by going to:

Put your job search on a fast track by taking advantage of the many online job search tools available. Best of luck!

Ali is a freelance writer who focuses on topics such as job hunting. Begin your search by going to: Jobs Online