If you are currently searching for a job, social networking has never been so important. The more people you connect with, the better your chances of finding a job. Social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can quickly increase your reach both geographically and in terms of resources. Here’s how to use them in your job search.

LinkedIn

To begin networking with LinkedIn, you will first need to build your profile. Then optimise it by adding a heading and your work experience with company names in your summary. Join LinkedIn groups. Begin with school and employer/company alumni groups. Add business associations and interest groups. Use the recommendation feature to ask people for recommendations and provide recommendations to others. Your name will appear on the profile page of the person you have recommended and more people will connect to you as a result.

Facebook

Make it clear in your profile and status updates that you are looking for a new job. Your network will see these and may come up with recommendations or referrals. Search for topical and relevant groups and people from industries and sectors you’re interested in using the search tool. Remember to put all your URLs to Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter on your email signature so that everyone you email can find out about you online.

Twitter

Be creative and selective with the limited characters you use in your bio.  People find you this way and recruiters search using keywords. Before you start tweeting, search industry leaders and companies you'd like to work for and follow them. When you sign up to follow someone's tweets, they see that you're following them. They may then decide to follow you too, which is something you want if you're a professional trying to get noticed. Next, start tweeting. Offer your opinion on news, industry happenings and seminars. Share news, industry tips or links to interesting websites and blogs.

To land your next job via social networking sites you need to invest time on the content of your profile and in connecting with the right people.