E-Recruitment: Preparing Your Online Job Search

Finding a job these days is tough. How can you make your application stand out? Job seekers need a strong online presence.

Generations Y and Z rely heavily on the internet for job searching. It's competitive, unless you have rare skills.
Job ads are still in newspapers (like Le Matin), but e-recruitment in Morocco is booming due to foreign investment and local operators. Competition is fierce.

Candidates need a strong online strategy to succeed. Applications, whether spontaneous or submitted through job sites, are carefully reviewed by companies and HR departments. Companies seeking specialized skills actively search for top candidates.
Companies have invested in online HR marketing, using their own recruitment websites (Renault, Club Med, etc.), official sites, and e-recruitment platforms. Job postings are more visible online. More people apply online, taking advantage of the digital age. But how do you make your application stand out?

EXPERT OPINION Khadija Boughaba, CEO of Invest RH

"Maintaining a Strong Personal Brand"

1. How to prepare your online job search?
Finding a job is a challenge, but the internet has revolutionized recruitment. Moroccan candidates use professional social networks (LinkedIn, Viadeo, Facebook), job sites, blogs, and forums to build their online presence.
You need a strategy: be visible, network, manage your online identity, and stay updated on network activity and opportunities. Create and regularly update your profiles on job sites and social networks. Highlight your experience and achievements. Keep your profiles consistent, unlike paper CVs which can be adapted for specific roles.

2. How to respond to an online job ad?
Online job ads attract many applicants. Your email subject should clearly state the job reference. Include a concise, engaging message that encourages the recruiter to read your CV. Your CV must be clear and concise; recruiters may only spend less than a minute reviewing it. Use keywords related to the job description. Think about the keywords your target audience might use. Work on your title! This is what appears in Google and search engines. Prepare a brief summary: what you do, your key skills, what you are looking for, career goals, highlight your experience, and give details (developed know-how, technologies used...).


3. How can your online reputation affect recruitment?
A poorly managed online reputation can harm your job prospects. Maintain a strong personal brand. Recruiters often Google candidates. Be mindful of your online presence; don't share anything inappropriate.
Should you send the same application to multiple recruiters?
Absolutely avoid this. Personalized emails are preferred; they demonstrate your interest. Otherwise, it shows a lack of effort.

4. Is a cover letter required, or is a CV enough?
The value of a cover letter is often debated. Not all recruiters read them, but its absence is noticeable. When in doubt, include it. Recruiters initially review CVs, screening based on qualifications, experience, companies worked for, and responsibilities. Then they look at motivations. A cover letter helps them understand your approach. Don't see it as a chore, but as preparation for an interview.


www.lematinemploi.com
Launched in late 2011, this e-recruitment site (part of the Maroc Soir Group) has performed well. As of April 9, 2012, it had nearly 200,000 visits, over 103,000 unique visitors, 1.1 million page views, an average visit duration of 7 minutes, and 55.53% new visits.
Over 11,273 job seekers are registered (59% men, 41% women). 66% are from Casablanca. 3700 CVs were submitted. Most seekers target permanent contracts (CDI) (88%), with only 15% considering temporary contracts (CDD).
The site attracts many with higher education degrees; 46% have a postgraduate degree or equivalent. Candidates are aged 18-55+, with 59% between 24 and 35.


Nadia Dref.

Lematin.ma

Published April 15, 2012.

Posted online April 22, 2012.