According to an article in The Wall Street Journal, more and more companies are forgoing online job boards and posting job listings on their own career pages. What does this mean for you if you are in a job search?

These are some of the steps you should be taking to better equip yourself in today’s job market.

1. Broaden your job search by using multiple tools. In addition to looking for opportunities on job boards, be aware of job listings on individual company websites..Search out and join linkedin groups for current, past, and potential employees that are company sponsored. Make sure your profile is up to date and reflects your particular skills. This is where your collateral material – resume, web portfolio, testimonials – comes into play. It should reflect what you can do for the company and highlight your value added.

2. Identify where you would like to work and learn all you can about the companies. Using their websites as well as sites such as www.hoovers.com/free and www.google.com/Top/business you can research companies and understand how your particular skills, background, and talents fit into their structure. The greater your knowledge of the company, the more equipped you are to identify opportunities that fit your skills.

3. Use social networking sites to connect with existing employees of companies that are ones you want to target. It is always helpful to have a resume walked in by a current employee. In fact, many companies favor referrals by their employees over resumes that come in through job boards. Additionally, insiders can provide you with greater insight into the company, its culture, and its needs. The more you know the better you can position your abilities and talents to suit their particular needs.

4. If you see a job posting on a job board, always try to apply first through someone you know or have connected with on line. If you cannot identify someone to hand walk your resume in, then apply through the company’s own website. The thinking here is that if you were on their website you probably know something about the company and have a specific interest in working there.

Use the job boards to help identify opportunities, but use your research and contacts to get inside and secure the job.