Job searches and networking

In the not too distant past job searching consisted of polishing resumes, calling potential employers and hiring job agencies. Most people will tell you today that these tasks do not work nearly well enough. With a minimum of 60% or more job searches for employment using social networks more people are finding that networking is what gets them a job.

Networks have become a very important aspect of the overall job search. With the modern job market moving online, networking has moved online as well creating a new way to make the needed contacts and referrals.

Networking Online

Networking online is similar to traditional networking in that it is used to build relationships via email and interview. Members of an online network are looking to expand their contacts in their industry. Unlike job searching for specific opportunities social networking can result in connections which bring openings not found in traditional job postings or classified sites.

The use of online networks gives you access to contacts without someone having to determine if you would benefit from knowing someone else. Most online networks aren't limited by demographics so the diversity and range of the network is much larger than a network you would have in the physical world.

Job searching by using existing social networks online is simply a matter of searching through your current list of contacts and requesting an introduction to one or more of their contacts. In this way you are avoiding the awkward first meeting because you both already know the person referring you to the contact.

Social Networks

The concept behind social networks as a job search tool is simple. The more contacts you have within a network, the greater your chances are that someone will know of an opportunity which is right for you. This also helps your chances of finding an employer or supplier who can make an introduction on your behalf.

Another advantage of social networking in job searching is the ability to make new contacts without the time spent attending mixers or lunch dates. Finding the right contact or employer becomes a simple matter of searching and research.

For many people simply having a profile on a social networking site is enough while others use online networking to communicate their job search needs to any persons which may be qualified to assist.

Job Searches and Social Networks

Social networking sites were once thought to be only the domain of students and military personnel looking to connect with friends and family. In today's world a unique opportunity has risen allowing students to expand their network to include potential employers and other possibilities.

The use of social networking sites as a job search tool is a relatively easy six step process:

• Joining
• Seeking out people
• Listening
• Talking about yourself
• Interacting
• Taking the relationship offline

Social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook have grown in the job search area as job seekers and students create detailed online profiles and in some cases actual advertisements so that employers will find them. Other sites, such as MySpace and Twitter, use a more casual approach where communication is the key element in networking online.

The Best Known Sites

The best known social networking sites are a combination of social gathering and networking online. Some of the more social sites include:

• MySpace
• Twitter
• Friendster
• Tagged

While the social networking sites geared towards networking online and job searching would include the following:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Xanga
• Oukut

If you are looking for a casual conversational friendly approach use the first list. If you want a more professional and passive approach use the second list.

Potential and Issues

As with any type of marketing, online networking using the social networking sites has both great potential and many issues. When using this tool in job searching you should be aware of both.

• Potential - you have the ability to create your own 'brand'; you also can increase the size of your network exponentially and very quickly; you can also target your network to focus on your job search goals
• Issues - you can go overboard with too many non-relevant contacts; you become visible to everyone and anyone

While profiles on social networking sites can become a tremendous marketing tool for your job search; they can also become an unwanted billboard advertising your mistakes and mishaps which might warn off potential employers.