Social networking for career success

Social media is used more and more by recruiters to look for "hidden" candidates and to disqualify inappropriate ones. It can also be used by you to connect outward to those you know and to develop your reputation with those you do not.

We spend increasing amounts of time on sites like LinkedIn and Facebook, often without a clear return on our time investment and sometimes doing more harm than good.

"Too many people waste their time doing the wrong things online," says Randall Craig, author of the best-selling career planning book Personal Balance Sheet.

Consider these tips when using social media for job opportunities or career advancement:

DON'TS:

Don't assume that everyone will want to be your connection or friend. If there is any question in your mind that someone may refuse, then call them up and ask first. After all, a key goal of social networking is to facilitate real networking.

Online recommendations are a key activity, but don't automatically assume that everyone wants to give you one. Some people feel uncomfortable giving blanket public recommendations, while others may not want to give you one at all.

Don't accept connections with people who you do not have a real-world relationship with. If you do accept these unknowns, then they will pester you for introductions to your colleagues -- or, worse, call them directly and use your name.

Don't be inconsistent with your image across the various social media sites. It raises a red flag. And at the same time, make sure there is no embarrassing information (or pictures) of you posted. These raise a huge red flag.

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