With thousands of social network sites available, why aren’t you using them to help your career? Now, there are many categories of social network sites and not all of them are appropriate to use, but the ones that are appropriate you should take advantage of. Here’s how social network sites can help your career:

Social Network & Your Career Fact #1: Expand Your Network

The beauty of a “Friend Request” is when you hit the “Send” or “Accept” button, you have just made a new friend. These individuals may be from the same company, a different company, the same state or a different one. You have a common interest and have opened a line of communication, great!

Social Network & Your Career Fact #2: Learn Something

Social network sites bring together individuals from every background and profession. You are exposed to multiple viewpoints and can gain an understanding of people and how they think. The more you know, the more aware you are. The more aware you are, the better decisions you can make.

Social Network & Your Career Fact #3: Speak Your Mind, Share Your Ideas

We all need to vent and we all like to vent, but when are we really given an opportunity to do so? Here’s a hint, social network sites. You can post blogs, comment on articles, ask questions and answer them. You have nobody to impress and nothing to prove, just put your thoughts and ideas online!

Social Network & Your Career Fact #4: Gain a Referral

If you have a strong network of people, you have a decent understanding of who each individual within your network is. Now, this relationship has to work both ways so if you know someone well, chances are they know you well too. So, the next time a position opens up at their company, you just may get a phone call!

Social Network & Your Career Fact #5: Land a Job

Employers are starting to use social network sites to their advantage. Not only do they post jobs, but they are actively recruiting. Having a professional profile may just land you an interview!