In today’s economic situation a person who experiences job loss will find it very difficult to land in a new one if he does not have any support from other professionals who could boost the chances of being hired. This is where social networking could be used during dire economic situation.

Unfortunately, getting hired for the job based on your qualifications alone is very challenging. Everyone almost have the same or even better qualifications. But when you know someone from the inside, your contact can vouch for your efficiency at work. You will gain the attention of interviewers and managers because your resume is being boosted through networking.

New Platforms in Social Networking

When social networking is just starting to be fully adopted online, social networking websites such as MySpace.com, Friendster.com and Orkut.com are some of the websites that are attracting millions of users everyday. During those days, social networking is all about connecting to friends and former acquaintances. That is why you will see colorful graphics, music loaded with the personal profile along with other customizations.

But today’s social networking is not just based on friends and connections to people who might become friends. Today’s social network is more focused on getting everyone on board and not just the young ones. That means professionals, young and old, are also enticed to be part of the social networking. Many social networks are already providing tools and functions that could cater to businesses.

Using the latest website development techniques, users are able to enjoy the features of social networking websites to connect to friends and establish their name to create a business niche. Group memberships, events invitation and real time interaction are possible. This provides a viable platform for businesses to connect with many professionals, businesses and potential clients.

But aside from traditional social networking, additional methods of connection such as “micro-blogging” are being adopted by professionals. Micro-blogging platforms such as Twitter and Plurk.com are only some of the websites that allow users to post their thoughts and photos through their mobile phones. This also increases connection of businesses and professionals as real time information sharing from virtually anywhere is possible.

Business Focus on Social Networking

Specialized social networking or social networks dedicated to specific tasks, hobbies and purposes are also increasing in popularity. For example, those who are looking to enhance their career, social networking for professionals exists. Linkedin.com is one of the many social networking websites for professionals. Through this website, users will be able to gain recommendation from other professionals as well as list their achievements and experiences. It is a virtual resume that everyone can see. You are practically advertising yourself consistently.

Cost Consideration

The previously mentioned social networking platforms allow users to create profile, update them with almost any photos and videos for free. However, there are other social networking platforms that ask for a small registration and/or a monthly fee.

This might seem like an odd arrangement considering many social networking websites allow unlimited use without any fee. But many social networking websites want to push social networking further. Instead of creating online connections, they also conduct social events where users will be able to physically meet.

For professionals, this creates a great opportunity to improve connections since aside from sharing information; true personality is shown through these events. Professionals will be able to create a good impression to their network which will increase their chances of being assisted in case they lose their job during recession or would like to shift to another industry.

During the dire economic situation, social networking could provide the support everyone needs to secure and even improve their career. Through online and offline connections, members of the social network could eventually support each other to find a job or improve in the current career.