How to Find a Job Using Social Networking Sites

Social networking in our time, has exploded at an unbelievable rate. You can even compare a social network to a TV network at times due to the overwhelming amount of subscribers. USA TODAY reports that MySpace boasts revenues of over 700 million, Facebook, LinkedIn and others follow at astonishing numbers. So how do you find a job using social networking sites? Where can you find trusted sites that will help you find a job without the risk of losing your sanity. It is important to state that many popular sites rely on ads to keep running. This can sometimes cause conflicts when looking for a genuine job. You may find yourself trapped in a never-ending circle. Here are the list of sites, how they function and most important how you can find a job with them.

Facebook
On the Applications tab of your Facebook profile, you will see a link called Marketplace. By defining your search for 'jobs' you will be able to see available jobs that are relevant to your zip code. It is also important to remember that Facebook does not validate these postings. Further research on these companies will be necessary.

MySpace
On the More tab of your MySpace profile, click on Classifieds. Here you will find a list of over 86,000 jobs. You can browse through Accounting, Marketing, Retail, Customer Service and many more. It is important to note that MySpace does not validate these postings. You will likely be linked to another job post.

Ziggs
Ziggs is an online social site that is unlike most others. If offers user the ability to present themselves in a professional environment. You can upload your resume and job history. Also, it acts as a link to prospective employers. It creates a link between your qualifications and will allow employers to contact you. Check out this Associated Content article for more information.

WorkPlaceLikeHome
This site acts as a forum for users who are interested in specific work at home companies. Although it does not carry the face of many popular websites, it holds a treasure of Work At Home Jobs that are legitimate. Users can share positive or negative experiences. When searching for a Work At Home Job, this is one site that you surely want to take note of.

Ning
This social site allows you to create a network. You can then participate in forums or have other users subscribe to your network. You can post questions about jobs or get accurate information about jobs by becoming an active member in the forums. Check out the events and be sure to be an active member in order to enhance your networking skills.

LinkedIn
This social site is very similar to Ziggs and allows you to network using your professional title and resume. You can have employers look for you, look for prospective hires or just connect with other professionals. This site is free and registration is easy.

Tips for Using Social Networking Sites

Create an interesting profile. This includes posting pictures of yourself, interests, hobbies, job history and other interesting facts.

Do not post information that you would not want to be shared at the office. This could include pictures of all your piercings and other interesting things that happen on the weekends.

Be sure to check your e-mail frequently. Sometimes you may be required to fill out certain information within a specific time frame.

Network with other users that share your interests. You can find users interests by conducting a specific search. For example someone interested in becoming an insurance agent would conduct a search for 'insurance agent.'

Update your resume. Do not forget to list all the experience that you have acquired through the years. If you can upload your resume, then always update it with relevant information.

Create an e-mail address specifically for job searches. This can help to keep a clutter-free inbox and keep you organized.

Participate in forums regularly. This will help you to get questions answered in a timely fashion should they arise. Always try to help other new users out if they ask questions that you can answer. It's a circle that will reward you at some point.

Do your research on all job postings. If something smells fishy online, then try to Google it. Ask your forum members if they have heard of the site. Online spammers are being paid to fill forums with dead-end information.

Do not give away your credit card/confidential information. You should not have to pay to find a job.

Finally, do not let rejections get you down. There are tons of opportunities online and you should never let one rejection stop your job searching process. As you look for jobs online, you will likely become faster and more proficient in finding success.

Personal Story
Through the WorkPlaceLikeHome website, I was able to find two work at home jobs. I am very pleased with the forums and information that you can find on them. It was the site that led me to Associated Content. I am very thankful for that board and the users who contribute to it.

New York Times Article
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/03/technology/03social.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2&oref=slogin
USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/techinvestor/industry/2008-05-11-social-networking_N.htm