With the creation of the Facebook Graph Application, Mark Zuckerburg has proved that Facebook can compete with any social media platform, including LinkedIn. Last Tuesday, the company announced the introduction of a search tool that will allow people to connect by interest and location. This tool is going to be a huge asset for human resources and recruiters alike. Danny Rubin at the Huffington Post purports the example of a potential employer seeking out an employee who is fluent in French. The Graph Application allows this employer to search for a fluency in French within a Facebook profile. The employer could filter to have the search include ‘friends of friends’ or ‘friends of co-workers’. Predictions indicate this tool will be extremely useful because it allows employers to use their own immediate networks (which they already trust the most) to find a great hire.

Now that you know your Facebook profile could be analyzed in the near future by human resource departments, it may be time you made changes to increase your chance of a hire. Because the tool connects via pre-existing networks, it is important that you think critically before you delete your friends. Your friends can connect you to their networks which will allow for an increase in the number of people that can search for you. This makes sense if you think of Facebook as a new networking opportunity. The logic is don’t burn unnecessary bridges. Another way to increase your potential hire appeal is to make sure you list your full job title. You have to let these companies be aware of your experience in say photography or graphic design. If it is an applicable skill, go ahead and list it in your about me section. The next tip is to make sure your ‘like’ section is filled with companies you would like to connect with. However, this section could be used against your social profile if what you have chosen to like is damaging to your image. Basically, resist the urge to like anything profane or controversial. If you do feel the need to keep some of your more questionable interests or likes then Mashable suggests that you make sure you are adjusting your privacy settings accordingly.

Prior to launching this application, Facebook put up a Job Board search as part of its Social Jobs Partnership Initiative along with the U.S. Department of Labor Initiatives. It doesn’t stop there. Did you know Facebook right now has a plethora of job search applications for job seekers? For example, Be Known is Monster’s Facebook application that will update you with job and internship postings. There is an application called Business Cards which enables users to create personalized messages like a virtual business card that will sync with your Facebook profile. There are also applications like Hire My Friend that lets you to promote your job seeking friends. Furthermore, there are informational applications like Salary that give you insights on salary in a variety of fields. These applications are just the beginning. For a complete list you can use the Facebook Application Search and filter via jobs or resumes and see for yourself what beneficial applications you have been missing!

Since, Mark Zuckerburg is getting paid handsomely I suggest you let him and the Facebook team help you succeed in your own job search.

The first step to using your Twitter to find a job is to ensure your Twitter is acceptable for the work place. Now I’m not pointing any fingers, but some of us on Twitter have a tendency to tweet whatever pops into our heads before we critically think about what we are putting online. Sometimes these thoughts are just funny quips but other times they can be damaging to your social image. A good rule before you send a tweet is to think ‘would I say this in front of a past boss?’ If the answer is yes, please proceed. But if the answer is no then trust me and don’t send that tweet because no one is going to think you are a comic genius anyway and it might just cost you the job.

Some of you are wondering if a company would even look at your online profiles. Many people don’t realize that their twitter profiles can be traced back to them. As of last June, statistics show that “50 percent of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities.” With the creation of more advanced tracking systems, human resource departments have increased access to what they refer to as your “social resume”. The point here is, don’t rule out the possibility that your potential employer hasn’t looked at your twitter.

Now that I’ve expressed my caveat about using this social media platform, we can discuss how useful it can be. An article posted by Dr. Sarah David purports that 42% of employers use Twitter to tweet candidates for job opportunities. A great article was posted on “Your HR Buddy” that details the top 10 recruiters on twitter. This is a great starting point. Be sure to start following these recruiters in your field. You can also use the Twitter search tools to look for recruiters that specialize in your industry. The advanced search tool on Twitter allows you to narrow your search to location and specific trends so you can find more relevant information.

In addition to searching for job postings, you can use Twitter to engage with others with similar interests. I encourage you to find ongoing conversations related to your field or with potential employers. Get involved in these ongoing dialogues and get someone to notice you. It is highly recommended that you use the ‘hashtag’ tool to tag phrases related to intriguing job postings. If you use Twitter to interact with potential employers, you just might tweet your way into a job!

Do you use LinkedIn in your job search? If not, you should start incorporating it into your job search routine. LinkedIn provides access to when jobs open and when they are filled, employees, and a slew of other information. Still not convinced? According to Payscale, 94.5% of recruiters have successfully hired candidates through LinkedIn.

In order to effectively use LinkedIn, there are several guidelines you should follow.

• Makes your profile is completed. Use a professional photo and be sure to add any social media links such as blogs, portfolios, etc.
• Connect with people. Connect with past colleagues, classmates, professors. Grow and expand your network and remember this also grows your 2^nd degree connections which can prove to be equally as important.
• Update your status with recent information that is of use to your network. It puts you back on your radar.
• Ask for recommendations. From the survey previously mentioned, employers ranked referrals as the best source for quality of job candidates.
• Don’t ignore LinkedIn endorsements, but don’t misuse them. Don’t just give endorsements and expect them back in return. Endorsements are a great way for quick recommendation, without having to write anything up.
• Use LinkedIn groups to build networks, engage and learn professional development.

Don’t be passive once you’re profile is set up and you’ve connected with everyone you know first-hand. Look to see who has viewed your profile, and add them to your network. If they are recruiters, see if they have jobs you might be qualified for. Don’t be shy. Invite people out for coffee to find out what they do and find out if they can give you any advice. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, try asking a connection for an introduction.

Are you having difficulty completing your resume? You can use LinkedIn to see where people with your background are working and what their responsibilities are. Some general LinkedIn don’ts to keep in mind: don’t lie and don’t send people an invitation with LinkedIn’s default text. For more mistakes to avoid, click here.

Job searches can become overwhelming very quickly. Social media is one of the many new buzz words surrounding job searches. The question on many seekers minds though is “how do I incorporate social media into my job search?”

First things first, review and edit your social media profiles to make sure it is appropriate for hiring managers to view. According to a study from Reppler, 90% of recruiters and hiring managers will visit a candidate’s profile on a social network in order to screen the candidate, and often (69%), recruiters will reject candidates based on what they’ve found. Do not neglect any of your profiles. If you have ones you do not use anymore do not assume employers won’t view them. Delete them and focus on your current profiles. If you Google your name and find it you can bet an employer will, too.

Once you’ve combed through your social media profiles make sure they send the message you want to convey and be consistent across all platforms. Whether it is to make connections in your industry or you’re looking for a new position, you want your profile (especially your LinkedIn headline) to easily express this message. Think about joining a discussion board on Twitter or LinkedIn or perhaps a blog. Keep this in mind: once you commit you should remain consistent, so decide a head of time how often you want to contribute.

Moving along these lines, consider an electronic resume where you add links to your LinkedIn account or personal blog or portfolio. It’s a nice way to tie in all your hard work on your social media profiles and makes it easier on the hiring managers.  According to a recent survey from Career Directors International (CDI), 62% of hiring authorities would click on an external link if you provided one on your resume.

Click here to read how to effectively use Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as a tool for job searches.

I have one word for you: LinkedIn. There are so many articles out there from stating the right way to approach someone to what profile picture to post. But how do you cut through all the clutter to receive the information you need? The purpose of this post is to provide a breakdown of LinkedIn facts.

1. Making connections

You should never send the general staple message provided by LinkedIn when you want to connect to someone you don’t know very well or at all. Where is the incentive in that for the recipient to accept? On the other hand, you don’t want to write a novel. Write a clear and concise message stating upfront what you are asking and remember to build a relationship. Show initiative and do some research on the person you are reaching out to.

2. Professional headline

Your professional headline is the first thing a recruiter sees so make it count! Use the “|” to divide your text and create visual breaks. You’ll be surprised at how much easier it is to read.

3. Selecting the right skills

Select skill sets that match the jobs you are applying to, find the exact same keywords in the “Skills & Expertise” section and select them. It’s important to choose the words that are the same because recruiters use these keywords to find you on LinkedIn. By matching up the two, you increase your chances of getting found! Here’s a tip – look for a handful of job descriptions to see what keywords are used the most.

4. Settings

You may not want everyone to know every time you add a new skill or change your headline for a change. Click here to prevent this in the future.

To find out if all this work pays off, check your homepage to see if your search appearances and profile views have increased. A further indicator that your changes are working is if the people viewing your profile are in your target industry. The best indicator is if people start reaching out to you on and off LinkedIn. Once this happens opportunities begin coming your way and soon enough that long awaited job offer!

It is no surprise that there is a high demand for hiring individuals with social media skills. The growth of social media isn’t only for job seekers. A recent survey by Jobvite reported that 92% of recruiters use social media to find talent. This survey further goes on to say that 2/3 of companies now recruit through Facebook and more than half (54%) use Twitter to find new talent, while LinkedIn is remains the top social media site, used by 93%.

So when you ask yourself: “Does it really help my job hunt to join LinkedIn, create a personal website or set up a blog?” The answer is absolutely YES!

First things first, you should search your own name to see what pops up. It is important to note that recruiters may not only look at social media sites, but also any external links with information about you. When you engage in social media, the information provided should support your image and reinforce the information in your resume.

When it comes to social networking and job search, creativity thrives. If you’re seeking a job in social media, public relations, marketing or a related, check out these resumes for inspiration on how to create a modern resume and stand out from the crowd. The living resume is also something to consider. A great example of this is using Pinterest as a resume. For more information, click here.

U.S. unemployment and underemployment statistics are still a major issue effecting job seekers in our economy. Fortunately with the rise of social media as a job searching tool in recent years, sites such as Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter make the job hunt more accessible.

Make a list of target companies that offer roles on your projected career path. Follow them on Twitter and LinkedIn, and “like” their Facebook pages. This is a great way to stay up to date on the latest highlights, job openings and fillings. You should also check to see if you are connected to current employees at a company of interest. You may surprise yourself and discover you have a strong 3^rd party connection somewhere.

It may also prove beneficial to reach out to individuals on already on your desired career path – perhaps friends of friends, college alumni, etc. Ask questions about how they arrived where they are now and advice you can follow to get there. You can also ask if they can refer you to another professional, but do not be straightforward and ask for a job on the spot. Remember, social networking is here to provide you some extra ease for connecting with business professionals and finding you a career – use it wisely.

Don’t rule out attending events in your area because you have an online presence. One on one interaction is always an added plus when networking. You have the ability to leave someone with a more memorable impression of you.

Here are some great rules when networking at an event:

• Try to avoid idle chatter. Sincere interest in the other person is the objective.
• If you want a  successful event, talk your server staff, the event manager, the valet, not just the attendees.
• Try to speak positively—whether about other people, the event you’re at, or even the  conversations you’re in.
• If the conversation has run its course, graciously exit. Then be the first with a follow-up email, a thank-you note, or an appreciative call.

For more rules to follow when networking, click here.

It is no secret companies today look at professional online profiles. LinkedIn is the primary professional networking site, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your other online profiles. It is up to you to update and maintain a current and professional profile. Some tips to optimize your online profile for potential employers are listed below.

1. Keep it up to date – whenever you have an update, post it.
2. Refresh your keywords and specialties – search online for common words that best describe what you do and use these key words organically.
3. Be aware –  create multiple online profiles and a personal blog and make sure they are all connected to enhance your personal search rankings.
4. Get the recognition you deserve – all legitimate recognitions should be included in your profiles.

For more helpful tips on creating an attractive professional profile click here.

It is important to note recruiters are constantly seeking out passive job candidates for their highly selective corporate clients. Once you know and understand the methods recruiters utilize in their hunt, you can position yourself as the talented passive candidate they covet.

Here are four tactics recruiters use on LinkedIn specifically.

1. Recruiters look for people who use the same vocabulary as their clients.
2. Recruiters hunt for people who command the respect of their peers and supervisors.
3. Recruiters seek experts and thought leaders.
4. Recruiters scout for people wherever they can find them.

There are many other strategies you can successfully employ, but these four provide the basis to create a solid LinkedIn presence. Good luck with your job hunt!

Did you know a recent survey found that over one-third of U.S. companies have Facebook in their sites as the primary tool for social recruiting in 2012? Job seekers will see substantial developments in social this year.

Data from Jobscience’s research shows:

• Social recruiting isn’t going away anytime soon
• Facebook is the most important social recruiting tool behind LinkedIn
• LinkedIn is anticipated to be the most used tool for recruiting with 57 percent of respondents expecting to use the tool more than job boards, email marketing, and referral programs
• Twitter is the least important social network for recruiting

Online recruiting research lab Potentialpark found that HR professionals prefer interacting with students, graduates and early career professionals on Facebook.

• The corporate career website continues to be the hub of top employer’s talent communication online and offline
• Mobile media still has some catching up to do – only 21% of global top employers have a mobile careers websites or career related app
• Microblogging and blogs are effective niche channels

Using social networks to find candidates for current job openings has become a common strategy for recruiters. For more information on this subject, visit Jobscience’s blog. To see a list of the Top 15 in Online Talent Communications and additional statistics from Potentialpark, click here.

We love discovering new sites that encourage job seekers to be creative while giving options to publicize their search and brag about their experiences.

Thank you, Eugene Woo, for creating Vizualize.me.  It reminds us of About.me except there are more fields that elaborate on your past work experience and education. The main difference is Vizualize.me focuses on you and your job search instead of just you.

When you first register with the site there is an option to sign in with LinkedIn, which parses all experience listed on your LI profile onto your new Vizualize.me page.  You have the freedom to edit content, color, and layout.

Here are some fun options to play around with; all of which can be parsed automatically upon signing in with LinkedIn:

Content

• Skills
• Interests
• Languages
• Awards & Honors
• Stats
• Recommendations

Themes

• Six themes and layouts to choose from
• Color for layout, theme, and content

One of the features we love most about the site is the option to interact and share your Visualize.me page. There is a “Share” option on the top right corner with option to embed a button on your blog or website.  There are also various social media buttons where you can blast out your new creative and eye grabbing professional profile.

Good luck with your Vizualize.me page. We hope to see you on their soon!