More job seekers rely on free Wi-Fi to execute job searches

With the prevalence of online job posting sites and more places of business preferring a digital résumé and cover letter, it is not just possible but likely that your job hunt will be carried out without turning on a printer. While having no need to harm a tree for your application materials may one day ease the smog problem, it creates its own issues for unemployed or underemployed job seekers who cannot afford a home Internet connection or computer.

Larry Burns, career services director for DeVry University in Long Beach, Calif., advises people in this situation to go back to school. Not to take a class, but to use the institution's resources.

"First and foremost, utilize your alma mater," said Burns. "Wi-Fi is available to our alumni and students at DeVry University's 90-plus locations nationwide. Most universities should provide similar access to alumni who are looking for employment."

Campus computer labs may offer computers with Internet connections, free access to printing and other tools needed in the job search. A simple call to your school's alumni relations department should provide all the information to get you connected to needed career portals.

State of need

Other options are available to job seekers who no longer live near their alma mater.

Burns cited public libraries and state and city career centers as alternatives. Local government may also be able to help those needing Internet access.

"Job seekers should also check to see if their city provides a Wi-Fi network," Burns said.

Perking up your search

Those with their own computers may choose to visit a coffee shop as their job-search headquarters.

Andrea McClain, owner of M Street Coffee in Sherman Oaks, Calif., said they have worked to create a vibe to ensure that patrons there to use Wi-Fi are comfortable while remaining respectful of other customers.

"Most of our customers are willing to share tables when it gets crowded, use headphones so as not to disturb other customers, and are very aware of how much time they spend with us," she said. "We have created a respectful vibe in the shop, and most people are very good about making several purchases if they are with us for a long period of time."

M Street Coffee uses a splash page for using Wi-Fi, which comes up on a computer's browser once the computer is connected to the network, to communicate with customers about upcoming events and specials.

"This system also allows us to streamline bandwidth, so as no one customer can overload the system," she said.

Chicago resident Joan Gannon said she's an official "Starbucks freeloader," considering how often she uses the coffee chain's Wi-Fi networks.

"I actually have a bit of a ritual," said the 27-year-old marketing professional, who has been looking for work since last October. "When I'm working on small things or answering email, I can go casual. I'll go to the Starbucks by my apartment. But if I need to be a little more professional, I'll head to a Starbucks downtown or in a more professional area."

Why the distinction?

"It's easier to aspire to be back in the marketing game when I'm surrounded by professionals," Gannon said. "In my neighborhood, it's me and the stay-at-home moms and the retired grandfathers. For me, it's hard to get into the mindset of looking for work in that environment."

Plan ahead

To make the best use of time while using public Wi-Fi, Burns recommended working in advance as much as possible.

"While some libraries might have time limits for Wi-Fi access, planning ahead by writing emails and making a list of job boards to search beforehand can maximize your productivity," he said.

Being equally prepared when going to a coffee shop can save a job seeker a lot of sleepless nights, as making purchases is a common courtesy when spending a lot of time at a cafe.