Using Social Networking to Find a Job in a Tough Market

With so many  people without jobs these days, it can be very difficult to compete in a market that is filled with quality talent. Jobs may not even be posted in the traditional venues, so social networking can help you stand out and find out about jobs in an otherwise difficult market.

Social networks like LinkedIn and Facebook can connect you with friends, classmates, family, past and present coworkers, and even companies. By expanding your network and making it known that you’re looking for a job, you can often times find a job faster by relying on people you already know. If a job is available these people that know you, your experience, and your work ethic could be your best resources.

LinkedIn, which is the leading social networking site for business relationships, would be my first choice for expanding your social network.  Start by building a complete profile of your experience, strengths, work history, and any other information you can think of. Then start searching for your connections. You can search by name, company, university, and more. Connect with as many people as you can. Connect with anyone that you know, whether they are former coworker, friend, family member, or former classmate. When you’ve started building connections, that will help you build more because you can then see the connections of your connections. Then spread the word that you are looking for a job and describe briefly what you’re looking for. LinkedIn lets you send messages through the site, or you can email your contacts directly.

If everything works out, hopefully one of your contacts will know of a job that you can apply for. If not, keep expanding your network and keep looking. If you’re not having luck on LinkedIn, try Facebook. It’s more designed for connecting with family, friends, and classmates, but there are more users on there so it will improve your chances. The most important part is to just be diligent and patient.  You will find a job, and even if social networking doesn’t help, there are many other ways to help you.