What is a podcast? A podcast is a series of audio or
video files that are released and automatically downloaded and
stored on your computer or other device. Instead of using a
radio or TV, with podcasts you use only a computer connected to the
Internet. A program on the computer allows users to subscribe
to, manage, and listen to or watch their favorite podcasts for
free.
Why subscribe to podcasts?
Podcasts are convenient because you do not have to visit different
locations to retrieve the file. They come to you automatically
as new series are released. You can also listen to or view
them at your convenience on your choice of media. However, you do
not have to subscribe to a podcast in order to listen to or view
it. You can manually download episodes of a podcast to your
computer. However, it then becomes less convenient.
How can podcasts benefit job seekers?
Podcasts range from home video or radio productions to premium,
first-rate productions. Among the huge array of available
topics, are a large number of career enhancement related podcasts.
Useful sites include:
www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,
which includes podcast topics like: Let’s Talk Green Jobs, LinkedIn
Tips for the Unemployed, Jobs With the Most Growth, Sideways Career
Moves and lots more.
What is required to get started?
You do not need a portable audio player, like an iPod.
Although you can transfer your podcasts to mobile media like
an MP3 player, it is not required. All you need is a
computer, Internet connection, free audio player which comes
standard with Windows, and you will need to install a free podcast
aggregator (podcatcher) like iTunes. You can download iTunes
software from Apple for free at
www.apple.com.
What’s next?
Job seekers can also use podcasting to showcase or market their
expertise by creating their own podcast. If you are
interested in doing so, take advantage of the automatic and often
free or low cost websites that make podcast creation simple with no
programming.
