The internet has created many new opportunities for people who are searching for jobs. Internet job boards such as Monster.com and others allow employers to list their jobs online allowing applicants to apply for the job in one easy step. While job boards are very useful, they do have one major drawback—they draw a lot of applicants. That means competition that makes it harder to obtain the job you want.



There are other options. In recent years, resume distribution service companies began offering their services to job hunters around the world. For a fee, these businesses will distribute your resume to job boards and company recruiters by e-mail or fax. They can target your industry in most cases making the chances even higher that you will get an interview.

Some resume distribution services offer their services for free, while others charge a fee. The fees range from $39 all the way up to $89. They will all distribute your resume to recruiters using various methods of delivery. Certain industries can be targeted for a higher fee.

Before you engage the services of one of these resume distribution companies, it would be wise to consult with them by phone first if possible. Before you sign up with any company, make sure you find out what they do with your personal information. In other words, how hard is it to you remove your resume from their site if you decide that action is necessary? Find out how they get the information about job openings. Do they send your resume to recruiters that have known job openings? Do they get their leads off job boards such as Monster.com? Will they be targeting your specific industry? Will they send your resume out by blast fax where hundreds or even thousands of companies will receive your resume?

Here are a few resume distribution services that I like:

•ResumeSpider.com—this company has been in the resume distribution service since 1999. According to this company's website, their methods are more effective because they create a targeted distribution network for you. All recruiters that receive your resume are subscribers to the service. They connect job seekers with companies in a similar way that mainstream dating websites help people find a spouse. Their proactive approach will save you weeks or months of your own time in creating a desired list of employers and recruiters. Their prices start at $39.95 for the standard package, and you can save 10% by using the promo code 961326.

•myResumeAgent—website has a lot of useful information about job searches and resume writing. The distribution service allows you to instantly send your resume, connect with recruiters, and get more interviews for $47.95. One nice thing about this company is that they allow you to customize your e-mail before it is sent. You can also make your personal information confidential to avoid privacy problems.

•Gadball—this company offers free distribution to sites that you choose. If you have to make changes to your resume, they are instantly sent out to the job boards. You retain complete control over your resume, which makes this one our absolute favorite.

Resume distribution services will never replace good old-fashioned job searching methods. You still need to network with other people and send your resumes for job openings that you hear about.