Using a Social Networking Website

• Make sure your profile page and postings are appropriate. Future and current employers may be able to read your profile.
• If you’re currently employed, remember that your employer may access the website. Keep your work search confidential by asking your contacts for advice and information, not directly for work or job leads.
• If you’re not currently employed, tell your contacts you’re looking for work. Tell them about your skills and accomplishments.
• Join groups or networks on the website that reflect your interests, both professional and recreational, to expand your network.
• Use site features to support your work search, such as creating a professional profile, posting a resumé or tagging your skills using keywords.
• Change the privacy settings to control who has access to specific areas of your profile. It’s a good idea to allow only close friends to access your instant messaging (IM) and comment on your blog entries.
• Be a resource for the people in your network. Tell your contacts about opportunities or events that will interest them.