Social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn help us stay connected with friends, college buddies, and family. What many people do not realize, is that these same social networking sites may have an impact on their professional life.
In today’s high-tech life, businesses use social networking sites and internet searches to find candidates for job openings and to screen applicants.
Know Your Online Profile
Do you know what potential employers would see if they researched you online? If the answer is no, then search for your name online and see what appears. The good news is that if nothing comes back, the potential employer will not see anything negative. The bad news, that same employer won’t see anything positive either.
Why You Should Join Social Networking
Many of today’s job vacancies are posted in-house. Social networking sites are one way to find out about in-house vacancies. Businesses are present on social networking sites and often announce vacancies there. In addition, utilizing the network of your friends and their friends opens up countless new job possibilities..
Job Searching Social Networking Sites
In addition to the general social networking sites such as MySpace, Twitter, and Facebook, job seekers should check out social networking sites centered exclusively on job searches. These sites abound on the internet. A few of the most popular are:
- Indeed.com
- Plaxo.com
- Simplyhired.com
- Jobster.com
For college students seeking their first job out of college, check out Myworkster.com.
Whether you are currently employed or looking for work, a positive presence on the internet can enhance your professional life. Many recruiters use the internet exclusively to find candidates. If you are not there, they can’t find you.