The only constant is change. This is very true in today's workplace. As technology and the economy advance into new territories, workers must increase their skills to ensure success in the workplace. The methods individuals use to seek jobs, as well as the compensation for those jobs, are also changing. With the high demand for advanced computer skills, businesses are searching for new ways to find, hire and keep qualified employees. In this case study, you will use the Internet to investigate changes occurring in the area of job-seeking.

CS Question #1: Access the "hotjobs.com" or "monster.com" Web site. What type of job is most prevalent on the site? How does this relate to the fact that employees and employers are using the Internet to locate potential jobs and employees?

Thousands of Web sites are related to employment. The Internet allows potential employees and potential employers to communicate more directly. Some sites are created for people who are searching for jobs. Businesses create their own Web site to encourage individuals to apply for jobs within their organization. These Web sites are informative and "sell" the business and the advantages it can offer. Human resource managers find the Internet a valuable tool in quickly locating qualified applicants. Other sites are created by businesses and run by employment interviewers who search for qualified candidates they can place in positions all over the world.

Using the Internet, potential employees are able to search for jobs more efficiently. Some Web sites allow job seekers to post their resume for thousands of businesses or to target their resume to businesses with positions that fit their unique skills.

With the development of the new technology-driven economy, certain job skills are in very high demand. These include Web developers, computer programmers and other positions in information technology. Businesses are willing to pay large salaries and offer increased benefit packages to employees with these technology skills.

Traditionally employees expected to receive an adequate salary, health benefits, retirement benefits and potentially a bonus for their superior work. Today, given the competition for qualified employees, businesses are adding additional benefits. In the present job market, it is common for businesses to provide stock options, free meals and even concierge services for their employees. These new benefits are used to keep employees happy and satisfied, and to prevent them from taking their skills to another business. Sometimes these benefits are not enough. In the current economy, businesses desperate for qualified people are willing to pay very high salaries to recruit qualified employees. As the economy grows closer to full employment, individuals with technology skills will be in great demand!

CS Question #3: Access the "benefitnews.com" Web site. List and explain three unusual benefits being offered by companies.

The quick increase and exciting success of many Internet startups, known as dot coms, created a market for experienced business people and computer literate professionals. Dot com businesses are able to lure professionals with stock options and incredible career opportunities. However there is a major risk involved. The value of the stock options and career opportunity are directly relative to the success of the business.

The biggest challenge for a dot com is getting people to its Web site. This is called "getting traffic", either to view advertising or to purchase the business's goods or services. Most dot coms are having enormous trouble becoming profitable. Any employee who accepts the dot com opportunity is making a trade-off for security. Further, stock options are usually offered as a part of a base salary, which creates a possible income risk. Individuals considering such risks should consider their position in life and their financial goals.

CS Question #4: What are the risks involved with going to work for a dot com business? What are the potential benefits?

Further Thought:

1. Access the "salary.com" Web site. What are the highest paying jobs in your area of interest?
2. What are some additional benefits that you believe would keep employees happy and satisfied with their work?
3. How will the Internet change employment in the future? Which jobs will no longer be necessary? Which jobs will become the most important?