It seems that everybody is using some form of social media these days. I use Twitter and Facebook to stay in contact with friends and promote my web presence. However, I think the majority of us only use these sites for purely social reasons and that's fine. But there is a serious side to social media and it relates to the public statement one can make about who and what they are. In other words it is a form of "Personal Branding".

I think anyone looking for a job or new entrants into the job market should consider using social media as tool for securing employment. “If you want to get a job out of college or succeed in the job you’re currently in, you have to be the commander of your career, which means that you’re accountable for your own destiny" explains Dan Schawbel.  Dan is a leading personal branding expert for Gen-Yers. In his newly released book, Me 2.0 , he teaches you how to use social media tools for personal empowerment, confidence building, and professional networking that can actually result in attracting jobs directly to you, without applying!

Another point that Dan makes that is certainly worth considering, is that you now have to manage your brand and identity on the Internet. Research shows that a growing number of employers surf social media sites to conduct background checks. Like it or not, the identity you project on the Internet is a personal statement as well as a public statement. The content you put on these sites projects a persona or presence that  communicates certain values and qualities. This persona becomes part of a public record that can follow you well into the future. As, I always say, "We have to take our Higher and best self into every interaction and situation."

So be careful about the personal statement you make with your Twitter, Facebook and Myspace pages. Your future employer may be watching!

If you want to maximize your potential for career advancement read Dan Schawbel's book.

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You can learn more about me at http://jayspeights.wordpress.com/ . 

Be sure to buy my book, "Harmonious Day."

Follow me on Twitter.

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