With advances in technology, the job search has moved from beyond simple social media networking to an array of strategies that candidates can use to boost their industry presence. According Business News Daily, 80% of human resource managers said they used social media networking sites during their hiring process, Forbes reports. In the book "The Start-up of You," LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman said job seekers should look at professional networking the same way as dating. "When you’re deciding whether or not to build a professional relationship with someone, there are many considerations: whether you like him or her; the capacity for the person to help you build your assets, reach your aspirations and position you well competitively and for you to help back in all the same ways," Hoffman wrote. "And, like with dating, you should always have a long-term perspective." At the same time, job seekers should always consider building a bigger professional network through second- and third-degree connections. Hoffman said many of these people can turn out to be valuable contacts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were approximately 3.4 million job openings in the U.S. as of January 2012. |