Opportunities in an Uncertain Market (15.01.2009)

Materials supplied by AWS 

The Internet has been credited with linking people across the globe, and oil and gas companies are increasingly using web based resources to source talent.                 Professional online networking communities offer companies a way to promote their opportunities and reach out to passive as well as active job seekers.

AWS sponsored online networks (visit www.connexpro.org/connex.html?srce )     
serve a number of functions:

1.       Enable professionals to stay connected with other professionals in a password-protected environment.

2.       Provide a facility for uploading a CV/resume.

3.       Deliver a strategic recruiting tool for mining experienced talent. 

AWS communities differ from social networks in that they bring together individuals with a shared discipline in the oil and gas industry.  Professionals can share what they’re doing, post their resumes online, indicate interest and search for job opportunities. Individuals can search for short- and long-term job assignments and use the network as a referral tool for new hires.

4.       Companies can use online networks to promote the company and its opportunities around the globe.

                Online networks also give companies the ability to track a former employee’s career growth and changing aspirations and priorities over time. An employer can use the online network to data mine experienced talent by searching key criteria like technical discipline, years of experience and mobility preferences. Unlike general data-mining on Monster.com, Linked In and other online networks, which are populated mostly by entry-level talent, AWS hosted corporate alumni communities target experienced talent—an essential advantage in a industry facing an upcoming workforce shortage.

                With an industry operating at full-tilt, a loss of an experienced employee can hit a company hard. With online networks, employers can fill that talent need by bringing in professionals for short-term consulting opportunities and as mentors to train new hires. Leading industry HR personnel relate that industry experience and knowledge stays valid for up to 10 years. A retiree or an individual returning from family leave not only helps take the burden off current full-time employees, but is an ideal way to ramp up new talent.

                The days of a life-long career with one company are over. This has been the case for the past 10 years, and it seems this pattern will continue. An individual may come and go several times—as an employee, a short-term consultant, mentor and recruiter. Companies are working hard to maintain positive and flexible working relationships with employees, and online networks help to keep that revolving door turning.

For more information, visit the Connex website at www.connexpro.org/connex.html?srce

or contact AWS at  www.awsinternational.com/contactus.asp?srce

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