Your Facebook status may be your key to a new job.

Experts aren't saying you should abandon the paper resume, but more and more people are getting job leads, and getting hired, due to contacts they've made on social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

The Miami Herald tells the story of Brittany Ward, a 23-year-old account manager at an Altamonte Springs, marketing firm who posted a tweet that she needed a job almost immediately upon being let go. Within a month she has had two job offers and multiple leads, all from people who follow her pointing her in the right direction.
CNN reports on the growing power of social networking to land jobs and make contacts.

"Not only are employers looking for better candidates, but ones that are well versed in social media and seeking out opportunities," said social media expert and president of Affect Strategies Sandra Fathi. "These mediums are here to stay and also a great way to differentiate yourself."

But while having an online presence can give you the in to send a more detailed resume, it also opens you up more to your employer, so policing your online image is important as well, Fathi says.