If you're baffled by Facebook and have no idea what it Twitter, you may be missing a key tool in your quest for employment.
The Internet has dramatically changed the way people conduct job search. Because of elegant innovations, such as social networking and engines, job search, who scour the Internet, pounding the pavement is a thing of the past.
"It is not enough - for most experts, however, -. To just look at the paper and see what is available you have to take it a step further now," says Allison Doyle, job search expert for About.com and author of "Internet the way to New Job: How to really find a Job Online ".
"Now you see in the media of social inclusion LinkedIn.com and Facebook and Twitter, where people are so together and applying for jobs as well. It's really changed the nature of the job search," he says.
The old saw is not what you know but who you know, has always been true in the hunt for employment. Reports of employers receiving hundreds of applications for open positions are not unusual in the current economy. Knowing the person on the inside foot to help wedge the door.
Network your way in
The best way to get the inside track on job leads is by referral from someone already employed in the company. To meet the target company employees, job seekers can turn to online social networks to finagle an introduction or meeting.
Shortly after starting in 2003, emerged as LinkedIn.com go-to place for professionals to network. Allows hunters work to build a profile and connect with other professionals. One of the advantages is that it allows easy adjustment of networking with specific firms or industries.
"I can not go out on LinkedIn, let's say I have a 100 or 150 links I might be surprised to find that some of my first degree contacts work on one of my target companies. - Are they working there, "says Jason Alba, CEO JibberJobber.com and author of" I'm on LinkedIn? - Now What”
When it is determined that you know someone or know someone who knows someone, you can get an introduction is as easy as asking for one. After that, it's up to you to turn on the charm. One rule of integration is to offer more than you want.
As in any relationship, some of the link next to neediness will generally be much more beneficial to both parties. Instead of thinking, "What can this guy do for me, 'take relationship," What can I do for him? “
"I would indicate LinkedIn more social contacts and social networks," says Lorne Epstein, founder of Inside Job, use Facebook to search for employment.