Google Alerts, LinkedIn are most popular online resources for job seekers

Almost 8 out of 10 Americans are using online resources to find employment opportunities, according to Pew Research survey. One-third of US job seekers rely on the Internet as the most importance resource for searching a new job.

According to Forbes, older non-digital method of searching jobs is also still holding value these days. Majority of jobseekers use their networking with family, friends and relatives for finding a suitable job.

Over 30 percent of people used employment agencies including government and private recruitment firms, and employment classifieds and other advertisements in print publications for indentifying a suitable job.

A few jobseekers have encountered difficulty in using online resources for finding a job as it's not comfortable for them to prepare an online resume, filling in job applications online or emailing to potential employers. Many corporate companies and recruiters are relying more on digital job search.

Pew research further reveals that 28 percent of Americans and 53 percent of the youngsters in 18-29 age group are using mostly smart phones for job search. Over 50 percent of them have used smart phone to fill out applications for jobs.

The smart phone usage is gaining momentum these days as 24 percent of American adults and 94 percent of smart phone users used their smart phone for searching suitable jobs. 87 percent of smart phone users, accounting for 24 percent of American adults, used their phones to call potential employer.

In Pew Research survey, 79 percent of respondents said they used online resources and information, while 34 percent of respondents said it's most important resource. About 66 percent said close friends and family are most reliable sources in their job search, while 20 percent said these are important resources.

According to Pew Reseach, the most important task for a job seeker would be generating job leads. There's no one consistent source for open jobs in our choice of field. There are several methods available for jobseekers, who need to customize them according to their situation.

In old days and these days, making cold contact or direct mail still works wonders for job seekers. List out potential employers and then start sending them resume. This method helps in tapping hidden job market.

The Pew research further indicated that about 63 percent used professional or work connections in their job search, while 17 percent considered it as most important resource. 55 percent of respondents depend upon friends of friends, while only seven percent considered it as an important resource.

Employment agencies were the choice of 32 percent, while only five percent consider it as a most important resource.

Only 32 percent used ads in print publications, while four percent consider it as most important resource. 28 percent used contacts generated from job fairs, conferences and other events, while only five percent consider them as most important resource, finds Pew Research.