Networking: Platforms & Performance

http://mashable.com/2012/04/16/social-networks-tips-infographic/

There are so many social media platforms out there. Here’s a handy infographic that will help you differentiate the purpose, audience, and expectations of each of the major players.

http://mashable.com/2012/05/12/linkedin-profile-resume/

Not everything that belongs in your LinkedIn profile should be on your resume. Ideally, you are tailoring each resume you send out to the position for which you are applying. Here’s an overview of why, and what.

http://jobtrakr.com/2012/05/11/networking-your-way-into-a-new-job/

Why should you be concerned with social media? Because according to this article, if you respond to an ad or a posted opening for a job without a networking referral, you have a 1 in 100 chance of landing the job. (I know—some of you who have been on the market for a while are grumbling, “it’s more like a 1 in 100 million chance; I’ve sent out my 100 applicants and then some, and still haven’t hit the jackpot.”)

But those who apply with a referral from a company’s own employee have a 1 in 7 chance of landing the same job. (Here’s the link to that data source: http://recruiting.jobvite.com/news/jobvite-index-1.php.) That’s better than a 1000% improvement in your odds.

Your mileage may vary—but the numbers do suggest that social networking and referrals (whether old fashioned face to face, or newfangled social media) are worth your time.