More on Social Networking: Using it to Your Advantage

Those that are particularly savvy when it comes to technology have probably been long time social networkers in one form or another. Yet since the recession began, more and more are finding the benefits tied to online networking.

LinkedIn was averaging about 1 million new users per month, but when September's economic melt down hit they were averaging about 1 million new users ever two weeks. Job seekers, employed, and employers are filling every social networking site in hopes of creating a strong web of connections, finding jobs and filling positions.

Facebook took one of the biggest surges in new member rates consisting primarily of advertisers and job seekers. Similarly, Twitter gathered millions of new seekers, employers and companies seeking similar opportunities and even some recruiters.

Why social networking?

Experts stand by the mere fact that the internet allows us to quickly make connections without needing to know the person first. True, e-mail and snail mail allowed for generally the same thing, but social networking has evolved to almost a necessary tool.

The tree of connections for most businesses is generally elaborate and involves the friends of friends of friends tier system. With social networking sites this tree can grow into a wide web of connections which can advance a business in many ways. Peoples boundaries of personal information and relationships are almost non-existent on the web. They are willing to share information and make connections more online then in the “real-world”.

It should be understood that by no means is social networking something that should or could replace real-world tools. The combination of both can make a world of a difference. Here are a few tips on how to approach the web of social networks.


Look before you leap. If you are new to the social networking scene, it is best to do your research. In other words narrow your memberships to just a few sites to begin with. Once signed up fiddle around with the site, see what it offers, find people similar to you and learn the ropes. Good things to note; Facebook is still universally used for connecting with friends and fellow classmates or alumni versus potential employers or bosses. Where LinkedIn is primarily a business network, where you can connect with friends, past colleagues or potential employers to build your connections tree.


Describe yourself with detail. In the “About Me” section offered by almost all sites, be sure to fill it out accurately and carefully. Treat it as if it were you explaining yourself to a potential employer and mention your skills, experience or accomplishments.


Don’t advertise yourself. There is a fine line between explaining your talents and blatantly advertising yourself. Network yourself tastefully. Kindly ask recruiters if they have jobs available or offer suggestions to a fellow member, without flaunting your accreditation.

Keep it clean. You’ve heard about students getting suspended from school due to inappropriate online content, be it MySpace or Facebook. This can happen in the business world as well, usually with bigger consequences. Keep photos of your best friends bachelor’s party to your personal networks, privately. Ensure all public profiles geared toward business remain strictly professional.

Make connections vs. just searching for a job. Although searching for jobs may be your main goal, connections are just as important if not more. Look for friends with similar interest, job history or skills. Share ideas with them and build off of that.

Think outside the box. If you receive an interview, gather as much research as you can. Gather important names, learn the history of the potential company, check out their site if possible.

Respect privacy. In addition to keeping your site professional, be sure to maintain a privacy balance among connections, especially your boss. Keep private things invisible to your boss, and confidentially share an online relationship.

Get yourself out there. Online networking has its perks. You get to avoid the uncomfortable handshakes and reluctant introductions that come with personal networking. Online you can join groups that match interests, find old friends that could connect you with employers and get in touch with your industry without awkward introductions.

Grab onto the reigns and embark on the adventure and benefit social networking offers.