Labor pains [employment game]

The Internet is changing the way the employment game is played. Employers and job seekers connect in various ways, both public and private. Traditionally, employers publicly advertise positions, while privately, much hiring happens through social networking. In 2005, more than half of all hiring in a surveyed group of employers came from the Web, split among corporate Web sites and career boards. Much contracting is conducted through the intermediary of staffing agencies. Staffing agencies serve two roles: information brokers and legal shields. Employees expect a long-term relationship, career growth, and social definition. Contractors, on the other hand, must manage their own marketing and continuing education. In a strange way, these contractors had greater long-term income security, as the ceaseless social networking left them far better prepared to handle transitions.