CHANGING FORTUNES / THE VALLEY ECONOMY IN TRANSITION : Job Hunting in Cyberspace

In days past, most people found jobs by putting in long hours sending out resumes and pounding the pavement.

Times have changed.

Today’s job-seeker can access a large number of employment opportunities from home with a personal computer and modem. Computer “bulletin boards” such as CompuServe and Prodigy, in addition to standard services such as electronic mail and catalogue shopping, offer electronic job listings and specialized areas where like-minded users can send and receive messages on a variety of topics.

By navigating a series of simple menus, users can scan descriptions of available jobs in fields such as banking, health care, manufacturing, communications, retail sales and the arts. Like traditional classified ads, electronic listings include a brief description of the position, required experience and an address or phone number where users can direct inquiries. Most systems also maintain databases with information about particular employers.

On-line services also enable users to research a company’s background, send resumes and cover letters electronically and network with other people--all without leaving home.

According to one 1993 survey, nearly 4 million households subscribe to such networks--and the number is growing. Major bulletin boards include:

America Online

$9.95 per month for five hours access to basic services and $3.50 per hour for additional connect time. (800) 227-6364

CompuServe

$8.95 per month for unlimited access to basic services; additional services are billed according to connect time and modem baud rate. (800) 848-8199

GEnie

$8.95 per month for four hours access to basic services during non-prime hours and $3 per hour for additional connect time. (800) 638-9636

Prodigy

$14.95 per month for most basic services and $3.60 an hour for message areas and other specialized services. (800) 776-3449