Many jobhunters have successfully used Twitter to make connections or land new roles. Photo / Supplied

Many jobhunters have successfully used Twitter to make connections or land new roles. Photo / Supplied

The chances of getting a job via an employment website are slim, a report by Forrester Research has found. The report says only 4 per cent of job-seekers are actually getting jobs online, and that your odds of getting a job via internet job sites are one in 250.

John, a friend of mine, knows these statistics only too well. Aged 59, his job was "disestablished" six months ago. Despite registering online and applying for over 60 jobs, he hasn't even made it to the short list.

However, it's not all doom and gloom. Used proactively, the internet can be a useful tool when job-seeking.

Using internet employment websites just to respond to job postings is missing their true value. A savvy job-seeker will use them to identify trends, build relationships, tap into the grapevine and target companies and opportunities that may not be obvious to others.

New technology means employment and company websites can offer easier links with job-seekers. This has led to a new kind of job-hunting online - "inter-networking" - with a global virtual community.

Management expert Tom Peters says the internet is revolutionising the job market, and candidates will need a recognised name online.

With increasing numbers of people after fewer jobs, employees will need to act like they are self-employed to stand out from the crowd.

Creating a recognised name online and mastering the art of self-promotion could mean building a personal website, creating a professional blog or using existing specialist sites that help individuals connect with, and market their talents to, employers and clients.

An example of such a site is www.flokka.com, a blog community for women in business. On the site they share tips, support each other, promote their work and share news about important events to help members succeed.

Other websites like www.industryinsite.com put professionals in select industries in contact with employers that seek them.

Freelance job boards, such as www.guru.com or www.elance.com, allow job-seekers to post a profile and even list pricing for specialised services that employers can bid on. This is an excellent way to offer prospective employers a "try-before-you-buy" option and position yourself as an expert.

Professional networking websites such as www.linkedin.com allow professionals from all walks of life to showcase knowledge and widen their networks. As a registered user, the website enables job-seekers, professionals and self-employed people to interface with anyone needing advice and information about a speciality. It is a great source of referrals and potential alliances, and employers and recruiters are increasingly tapping into such sites.