Companies hiring this week

Wouldn't it be nice if, the moment you started looking for a job, the right opportunity at the right company just happened to be available? If only life worked like that. In a more realistic job search, it might take a while before you find the exact fit. You may find jobs that sort of align with your skills but don't really excite you. Or, there might be a certain company that you'd love to work for but it doesn't have any openings in your area of expertise.

One way to take some of the stress out of your job search is by joining a talent network. Talent networks are career-focused websites that companies set up to engage with job seekers like you. Not only do these sites list currently available jobs, but they also give job seekers the opportunity to join their talent networks. By joining, you're automatically in the company's database, and if an opportunity comes along that matches your background or skills, you'll get a notification. You can also opt to receive other types of company updates, such as newsletters, information about hiring events and an inside look into what it's like to work there. 

How to sign up
According to Jennifer Seith, managing director of business development at CareerBuilder, signing up is easy. "You are asked for basic information -- name, email address, location and desired job title," Seith says. "The system will automatically send you jobs that match your needs to ensure you are continuously engaged with the company you are interested in and matched to the most relevant jobs. Some talent networks even allow you to scan a QR code and apply via your phone. Joining talent networks is a quick, easy way to ensure you are considered for the most relevant jobs at companies you are interested in working with."

What's in it for the company
From an employer's perspective, there are a lot of benefits to having job seekers join. It costs companies time and money to find suitable candidates for open positions. Having a talent network lets them connect with qualified job seekers who have already shown an interest in their company. Once a position opens, they can look to their pipeline of enthusiastic job seekers to help them more easily fill that opening.

So, who's hiring?
The below companies are not only hiring right now but they're also using talent networks to connect with job seekers who may be a fit for future positions. Check out their currently available jobs or visit their talent network site to sign up for updates.

1. Cardinal Logistics
Sample job titles: Class A commercial driver's license driver, operations supervisor, director of strategic sourcing
Click here for their talent network

2. Catholic Health
Sample job titles: Personal care aide, physical therapist, accounts receivable clerk
Click here for their talent network

3. Combined Insurance
Sample job titles: Territory manager, insurance sales representative
Click here for their talent network

4. Fastaff
Sample job titles: Operating room travel registered nurse, operating room travel technician, sterile processing technician
Click here for their talent network

5. Midas
Sample job titles: Sales management, accounting, auto technician (franchise opportunities)
Click here for their talent network

6. Paychex
Sample job titles: Major account manager, field sales manager, sales representative -- core payroll
Click here for their talent network

7. TCF Bank
Sample job titles: Sales manager -- Gateway One Lending & Finance, retail branch manager, talent management specialist
Click here for their talent network

8. TGI Fridays
Sample job titles: Server/bartender/host/hostess, line cook, restaurant manager
Click here for their talent network

9. Six Flags
Sample job titles: Ride attendant/operator, lifeguard/water attendant, food service
Click here for their talent network

10. Yelp
Sample job titles: National sales planner, account executive, sales recruiter
Click here for their talent network

For more information on talent networks or for industry-specific career advice, visit www.jobs.net/articles or follow TNJobs_net on Twitter. 

Debra Auerbach is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.