How Does the Digital Divide Affect Job Search - CareerEnlightenment.com

Computer skills are the prerequisites for securing a job position in many contemporary highâ€"paying organisations, thus a lack of these skills may confine applicants to lowâ€"paying even menial jobs.A lack of ICT skill sets, broadband access and even social media abilities can make it extremely difficult to get jobs these days, as those with no internet access or computer skills are generally starved of the latest information regarding job opportunities.Some people, especially those in the rural areas, simply can’t afford a PC or laptop, while only a few of them understand how a computer operates. Not only does this increase job search costs, but it is quite a substantial problem in today’s job market. For instance, an applicant was expected to create a profile online for his job search to enable communications via email. Unfortunately, he is a resident of a rural community and is unknowledgeable in terms of access to and use of broadband. Also, he has no experience in typing do cuments and neither does he own an active email account, so he has to forfeit the opportunity as he couldn’t make it before the application deadline passed.In ConclusionWith the increased use of the internet within the job search and application process, it is not only literacy that is crucial, but also an advanced knowledge of latest systems and tools such as social media.   With technology developing at a fast rate and new tools and websites being created every day, job seekers can massively enhance their chances of finding their dream job by successfully utilising the technology.The digital divide is only set to increase, giving a wider range of opportunities to those with advanced computer literacy.   Perhaps as broadband becomes more commonplace in rural areas and developing nations, the gap will close, but with new technologies constantly being developed, playing catch up will be no easy feat.