How much time do you spend daily on social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace?

It is a question I addressed to Georgia Tech students at one of the job search seminars I presented.  The responses varied in time frames, but I was not surprised to see that every single student in the audience raised their hand and acknowledged that they are very active on social networking sites.  We all love to keep in touch with friends and share stories about our personal lives and online tools such as Facebook and MySpace enable us to do so.

How about when it comes to sharing a story about our abilities, achievements, and career goals as well as networking with people in the same career field? 

Most of the students in the audience admitted that although they are in their job search process, professional networking does not come as easy as social networking. Furthermore, they are not as familiar with the online tools that will help them develop professional relationships. LinkedIn, the most familiar and popular online professional networking tool does not have the same visibility for graduating students as Facebook.

I believe that professional networking is an underlying requirement of the job search process and the ability to network relies on the same formula as our social networking skills used to communicate with friends on Facebook. However, in this case the story we want to share is about who we are professionally rather than personally.

According to my estimates, the average time spent on Facebook by students is 4 hours per day.  What if some of that time is traded for building a presence on LinkedIn and establishing professional connections to aid in the job search process?

LinkedIn is a powerful professional networking tool with over 30M professionals in the community. It allows users to create an online profile, similar to a web resume, search for jobs, network with people in similar industries, establish connections, join professional groups, and participate in various discussion topics.

Online tools and user skills developed on Facebook provide an easy head start in establishing a LinkedIn account and navigating other online community resources.

Do not underestimate the power of professional networking in LinkedIn and the benefits it provides in the job search process. Right now is a vital time to establish your presence on LinkedIn!

Below are some additional useful resources to help you in your LinkedIn adventure:

YES…You Should Have A LinkedIn Account!
Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn

Facebook vs. Linkedin - Network, Socialize, Be Professional?

Etiquette for LinkedIn and the Professional Networking World