And here's why: most Web sites that want to offer job-hunting services to their clientele can't, because there's no good way to begin. Without a database of resumes and job listings to start with, they can't attract employers and job-hunters to their site to post their resumes and job listings. They need something to jump-start the process before they can attract enough employers and job-hunters to their sites to build up their databases to a useful level.

A number of companies have leaped in to offer just such a jump-start package to these sites; kind of a "job board in a box", just add Web site, and eventually, your own job-hunters and employers. Two companies appear to dominate in this area: FlipDog and 4Jobs/Beyond. A niche site using one of these services will, naturally, add new listings and resumes from, and for, their special clientele. This will tend to make their database somewhat unique to their site, but many listings are shared among sites as well.

Here are the primary addresses for FlipDog and 4Jobs. From these main sites, you can reach out to the databases around their network. Most allow you to search by trade, geographical area, and so on.