Job Hunting with Social Networks

MYFOXNY.COM - LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter have become household names over the last few years. Most people use them for social purposes, but prospective employers and employees are using social networking sites for professional networking opportunities.

"If you're a really good networker and you use the social media sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, you can develop relationships and get in the know," says Sarah Needleman, a Wall Street Journal reporter.

Not only can you connect with other people who can offer advice, you can also connect directly with prospective employers.

According to one recent survey, 54 percent of Fortune 100 companies are now using twitter and another 29 percent have an active Facebook page.

"If there is a particular company you're looking for, see what their feed is on Twitter and look for job postings that way," Needleman says.

For example, want a job with MTV? Try following the Twitter feed for mtvnetworksjobs .

Another way to search for jobs offered via twitter is to use a site like twitterjobsearch.com .

Once you've found something you like you can use your social networks for advice.

Post a message to your network and say "'Hey does anybody work here? Can you tell me about the culture? Dso you know the hiring manager?'," Needleman says. "Any information you can get, that will help you get an edge."

But be careful about what information you put out there. Racy pictures and less-than-professional comments about your colleagues or boss can come back to haunt you.

"Some people are saying 'Ack, God, I can't stand my boss' forgetting that their boss may be their friend on their Facebook page or a co-worker and it gets sent around," Needleman says.

Even the most harmless tweet can cost you a job without you ever knowing.

Be sure to check out the MyFox Job Shop .