One of the most effective ways to search for and find a job is through networking. Social media networks allow employers and individuals an easy and efficient way to connect. Try using these top social and professional networking websites to boost your job search.

LinkedIn is a social network site geared toward professionals. You can effectively use connections to network and find opportunities that may not be advertised elsewhere, and even apply for jobs.

• Company Search - One of the best ways to use LinkedIn is if you have a specific company you are interested in. You search that company, and hopefully find people who are connected to other people you know.
• Job Postings - LinkedIn allows employers to post jobs, which are usually high-quality, professional jobs.
• Status Updates - Similar to Facebook, LinkedIn has status updates. This can help you better inform your connections what your current interests are.
• Headline - LinkedIn provides a place to add a professional headline. Rather than “Consultant” make your headline more attractive by saying something like “Innovative marketer with a drive for results.”

Facebook is a social network similar to MySpace that many people also use for professional networking.

• Notes - Post a “note” on Facebook, explaining your employment situation and what you are looking for.
• Status Updates – Frequently post status updates relating to your job search, such as “I had a great interview this morning… keep your fingers crossed!” or “I have a networking meeting later today with a company I’m really interested in.”

Twitter is a social networking and micro-blogging service utilizing instant messaging. Companies and job boards post job openings on Twitter, and job seekers network through Twitter to help facilitate their job search. Users post updates on Twitter that are displayed on the user’s profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them. The best part of Twitter is that it allows you to connect with people you don’t know, based on common interests.

• TwitterJobSearch.com is a search engine that scours Twitter for positions that match the keywords you enter.
• JobShouts.com is a free resource for both employers and job seekers. Employers can post their jobs for free; those jobs are then automatically “tweeted” to users on Twitter. 

Take full advantage of the tools these websites offer to enhance your job search. It may be how you land your next job!

Julie Ashurst is the Human Resources Recruiter for Arizona Central Credit Union, where she has worked since 2006. She moved to Arizona in 1983 and resides in Glendale with her family.