How to Work Your Social Network

 By Stephanie Larson        

      This week Google launched its new social networking platform Google Plus (Google+). However, unless you were one of the lucky people to receive an invitation, you will have to wait with the rest of us for the public release of the network.

         Although Google+ is currently limited in its availability, it does not mean that your social networking options are numbered. Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and LinkedIn are just the beginning of a vast list of social networks available to Internet users.

         Although these social media platforms provide an excellent way to keep in touch with friends and family as well as share your personal life, social networks have also become an essential tool in today’s competitive job market.

         Did you know that Twitter can be used as a way to find job and internship listings or that Facebook can be a great way to network with potential employers? I know that before I started my internship with LACD I was completely unaware of the many ways social networks can be used to aid career development.

         I have put together a list of articles that discuss various social network platforms and how they can be used to help with career development. You can find articles here, here and here. If you have not already read it, then also make sure to add Jayne’s blog post “Get Your Foot ‘In the Door’” to your reading list as it provides you with a description of a very nifty social networking tool for Facebook. And, for those of you who want to be ahead of the social network crowd, here is a link that discusses the new Google+ network.

Happy reading!