Social Sites and Job Seekers

Everyone says if you want to find a job you have to network. It’s all about who you know. So potential job seekers network, they ask friends, family, friends of the family, all about potential job leads. This helps, a lot of times people can find out about jobs from their own personal network. However recently our networks, specifically our social networks have proved to be more expansive and have superseded our own personal networks.

Social media sites have proved to offer more than just ways to connect with lost friends, and tell the world what you’re doing. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Youtube all offer ways connect. These social media sites, Google included, all offer ways for job seekers to network potential job leads. Below are list of the most popular social media sites, and tips for job seekers.

The most popular for finding jobs is LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a social networking site for professionals. In addition to profiles, and recommendations, if offers a rather significant job search above the others. In addition employers can see your recommendations made by others. This could push your application to the top of the list.

Twitter is another popular site for finding jobs. Here you can follow and friend companies you are interested in working for. Companies often tweet jobs as they become available and offer links to apply. Then there are sites devoted to tweeting job such as @mediabistro, @jobangels, @jobshouts, @simplyhired, @startuphire.

Facebook is useful tool because over 500 million people have a profile on Facebook. You can use this to your advantage to let your friends know you are looking for a job, what your interested in. You can also search for companies on Facebook, and fan their pages. This may give your more information about the company. Many companies have also started posting job on the Facebook page. By becoming a fan you will be one of the first to know when new jobs are available.

If your tech savvy Youtube.com can be your friend. Tape a video resume and upload it to youtube. Keep it short, be personable, and tell potential employers your strengths, a little background, and what you can bring to their company. The target of a video resume is to get them interested in you and want to meet you in person. From there you can tell them your experience. Here are a couple of good video resumes

Employers are searching social networking sites for information on potential employees. When using social networking sites you want to keep a clear and consistent presence on these sites. Your personal and contact information should match on all sites. Keep all resumes current. Lastly be proactive. Tell friends, family, your social networks your looking for employment.

If you have the time check out mashable's top 10 list of social sites for finding a job.