Social Networks and Job Search

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Social Networks and Job Search

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Take the Quiz!

I've recently been in touch with Thom Singer, author of "Some Assembly Required" and "The ABC's of Networking." In viewing his web site (http://www.thomsinger.com/,) I came across his networking quotient quiz, and decided to take it.

I scored high. But then again, I'm part of a networking website, so it came as no real surprise. How do you think you would score on this quiz? Well, I'm going to include a link in this post that will take you directly to the quiz, so you'll get your chance to find out.

The true benefit of the quiz itself is not to just try to get the highest score you can, but to think about the questions and answers (which are multiple choice) while you're doing it. Really think about it. Think about which actions would work best given the situation and begin to apply them to your daily life. You'll come understand that you have networking opportunities every day, several times a day.

Here's the link:

http://www.networkingquotient.com/page.php?req=welcome

Good luck!

Using Social Networking Sites for Getting a Job

Using Social Networking Sites for Getting a Job
by Dr. Barry Miller, NY Job Search Examiner

I'm sure many of you are connecting to this column because you are looking for a job. You heard about social networking but are not sure how it works or how to use these portals to get a job. I'm going to spend the next few columns getting you to be competent in using them. First, I want you to follow some simple directions. Go to www.facebook.com and www.linkedin.com and register. I don't care if you heard negative things about any of them. Forget it. They are both valuable tools for different reasons. Does this mean that you shouldn't't use other social networking sites. Not at all, these sites have to be included. Next ask me to be part of your network. You need people to help you meet other people. On Facebook just write bmiller@pace.edu where it tells you to add friends. On Linked-in type in under add connections, Barry Miller and bmiller@pace.edu . If you know nothing about Facebook and Linked-in I recommend the following books. Facebook and Linked in for Dummies and I"'m on Linked In Now What" and I'm on Facebook Now What " These books will give you the basics on how these social networking sites work. They don't each you the proper way to connect to people in a way that leads to a job. I will tech you that. I will also connect you to important Facebook sites that give give career and job information.Also I want you to go to any University you graduated and get an alumni e-Mail. That may facilitate your connecting to alumni both on Facebook and Linked in.
In my next column I will discuss the basics of building relationships on Linked in that create job opportunities.

Who New? (no, that's not an incorrect spelling....read on)

The early bird gets the worm. Okay, I know, it's a cliche, but it happens to fit nicely into this piece, so you'll have to let me have it this time.

Here's a quick piece of advice that may help you be the first to get your foot in the door. Often times, the people who are among the first to respond to a job posting are the ones who get hired.

How many times have you called to inquire about a potential position and gotten the response "I'm sorry, that position has already been filled?" Don't be discouraged, you're not the only one that gets that response.

You may want to try picking up the newspaper and flipping through to the "Legal Notice" section. Did you know that in New York and other states, a Limited Liability Company is required to post a legal notice upon formation of the company?

See who has posted recently and begin your data mining for information. You may be able to find enough information to get in touch with some of the principals. Do they need a bookkeeper, a marketing team, customer service reps? It's quite possible that they need a variety of personnel to get started.

In making these contacts you'll be doing two things. First, you'll be saving the newly formed company some time (and let me tell you from experience, starting a new company doesn't leave you much time for anything,) and second, you're showing a pro-active attitude. These are two things that most people will appreciate.