If you have been following me on Twitter you’d know that I am currently looking for a job. I’ve had quite a few nibbles but no bites so far. The process has been frustrating to say the least. So often you send out a resume and cover letter and its gone - into the abyss - without hope of reply. Or, you visit one of the major job search engines to find positions which were posted months ago that have since been filled and left to rot in Career Builder’s database.

It got to me to thinking about social media, and whether or not it could make the process of finding of jobs more efficient - and pleasant.

Truth is, I have really been taking a social media approach to my own job search.

Twitter has been invaluable for developing relationships and generating contacts. I have had really nice people on my follow list reach out and offer to send my resume to colleagues. Most of these have been out of state contacts as well, so it isn’t just useful for local jobs.

On the other hand, I have had people forward my resume locally and that has been tremendously helpful as well.

Summize, a tool for search for internet trends and something I have written about before here, helps put me in the conversation with other search engine marketing pros out there. By adding them as friends, and hopefully getting their reciprocal friends add, I am establishing potential contacts for jobs in the future (or at the very least, a reference)

Additionally, social networks in the local community for specific industries (advertising for example) help to put you in touch with other people either looking, actively working in, or hiring for your position. I’ve generated 4 solid contacts just joining these kinds of communities.

Then there is LinkedIn.

Technically, you might call LinkedIn a job site but to me, it is really a social network for professionals. Take a moment to really dig deep into LinkedIn and you’ll find a site that is strikingly similar to Facebook (without some of the Super Wall type of garbage). I have tried to take time out to scan for available opportunities there or answer questions other folks in my network ask regarding search marketing (my area of expertise).

Social media can be a great way to get not only your name out but create relationships with people that open doors you never imagined. If I am able to find a job here in Phoenix, it will be directly due to social media as thats how I am “marketing” myself to potential employers.

Follow my job search on Twitter! If you’re a potential employer, check out my resume while you’re at it!