Tame The Online Social Networking Overwhelm

One of my most popular workshop topics is how to use socialmedia in your job search.  A highmajority of recruiters use online social networks, such as LinkedIn, to findcandidates (I used online networksextensively when I recruited), so jobseekers absolutely need to takeadvantage of these tools.  However,there are so many options and they are all so time-consuming that jobseekersrisk being overwhelmed.

Make a choice andgo deep.  Rather thanspending a little time here and there on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Doostang,blogging, or building a personal website, decide what you want to accomplish,research your options to see what best suits your objectives, and devote thebulk of your time there;

Place an overalltime limit on your online search activities.  A thorough job search encompasses many different activities,including research, expanding your network, following up with your existingnetwork, updating your contact database, troubleshooting your search and more.  Online networking is helpful forresearch, networking and maintaining contact information so it is worth asubstantive time commitment but not all of your time;

Offline networkingetiquette still applies. The most successful networkers online share much in common withsuccessful networkers offline.  Berespectful of people’s time.  Writeengaging (and grammatically correct) business communication.  Ask intelligent questions.  Focus on giving and helpingothers.  Remember that onlinesocial media is one tool in the broad umbrella of networking, and common sensenetworking etiquette still applies.

Caroline Ceniza-Levine is co-founder of SixFigureStart(www.sixfigurestart.com), a careercoaching firm comprised of former Fortune 500 recruiters.