Job seekers can be distracted by mainstream media as the study numbers, and not people and their challenges. Unemployment is up to 9.2%, and 20% or more underemployed, but that is not hugely inspiring at all, is it?

The news cycle features real people who struggle with the bills, groceries, and utilities, and unemployed for more than 99 weeks. The same report tells what unemployment is in each state.

Job seekers will listen to the commentaries and editorials and lose in the who-should-lose-their-job- next-election discussion. I am not suggesting news is fake. Each person can discern and filter which news outlet is more credible than another. It is the same principle used when people decide which blog to read.

Invest in yourself by listening to others

Social networking is a talking and listening medium where people share information constantly. From what I have seen and experienced, the answers to questions about resume writing are on Twitter, Linked In, and Facebook and other blogs. It is an investment in self to research what people are testifying how job offers received and what advice followed. Anyone not investing time or energy in social media is like looking in the mirror, and forgetting the time spent styling the hair.

Formulate social networking to be what you want

Social networking is primarily a tool for the job seekers best leveraged to initiate and deepen relationships. It is also a terrific place for discovery of useful trends, advice, or practices. If you just lurk, you will just partially benefit from ongoing conversations. Facebook is not just a legal way to invade privacy, and stalk the lovers or haters of your soul. Although it seems to be an intimate venue, it is extremely public. You do not have to be the one fired over any socially illegal or unacceptable media. In any of these tools, use sound judgment.

Oh yeah, the social part

If you are just beginning, make friends. I think I started with Brent Leary and Oprah on Twitter, but eventually I branched out to over 1,500 people and counting. I think I share more of what others write than myself. However, to benefit from social media, is to get involved in the exchange of information.

Linked In is an excellent place for professional discussions where advice floats like the clouds. Again, this will take some time.

What about a job lead?

Yes. By using the suggestions above, leads to jobs will come. Using some of the right Twitter clients can bring you job information. The impatient Twitter user will grow frustrated and abandon the process. The patient and savvy user will embrace and enhance the process through conversations and sharing what he or she knows.

Mark Anthony Dyson

TheVoiceofJobseekers.com