Online Social Networking & Job Search Process

Job seekers use their computers to network with potential employers.

Finding a job in today's world requires an understanding of the online social networking tools offered to job seekers. The sites listed below offer you an opportunity to upload your resume and/or network with hiring managers and other members of your industry.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn remains the most popular online social networking site for job search, offering its members a unique profile where they can include previous job experience, samples of work as well as Twitter feeds. LinkedIn allows users to search jobs within their local network on the site.

Facebook

While many people use Facebook to stay in touch with friends and family members, you can use Facebook to promote knowledge, skills and abilities by posting interesting links to information from your industry. Many corporations also have Facebook pages that they regularly update with career opportunities.

Twitter

You can use Twitter to network with people in your field by participating in 140- character conversations through the network. In their profiles, users often put links to Facebook pages, LinkedIn pages or personal blogs as a way of advertising their skills.

Brazen Careerist

Brazen Careerist is one of the newer social networking sites with job search features. The community offers job hunters an opportunity to share ideas in groups they join as well as post links to blogs and Twitter accounts.

Niche Social Networks

If you are looking for jobs in industries like publishing, technology, finance, advertising and more, look to industry specific social networks like Sermo.com, INmobile.org, AdGabber.com and Mediabistro.com. These sites give job seekers an opportunity to create profiles and network with professionals in their industries through chat, forums and private messaging.

Warning

You should be careful what you post to social media sites, because employers are watching. Be personable, but exercise caution when posting photos and links to articles that may be deemed inappropriate.

References

• Wall Street Journal Online: Social Networking Goes Professional
• Time: Using Twitter and Facebook to Find a Job
• TechCrunch: A Professional Networking Site That Realizes You're More Than Just a Resume

Resources

• Mashable -- The Social Media Guide: 7 Secrets to Getting Your Next Job Using Social Media
• CareerBuilder:Job Search Warning: Social Networking Can be Hazardous to Your Job Search