Posted By: Phil Rosenberg In: Networking Which is better for your job search, Facebook or LinkedIN?
The case for LinkedIN:
Which is better for your job search, Facebook or LinkedIN?
The case for LinkedIN:
Strengths:
LinkedIN allows you to build a massive network, and allows you to limited contact with any other user directly through its InMail feature
You see 3 degrees of separation
LinkedIN has a widget that allows you to superimpose your network over Monster and CareerBuilder ads – so you can reach line managers and bypass HR.
LinkedIN has a similar widget to superimpose mini profiles over Outlook emails
The LinkedIN Answers is a great way to find your audience, and participate in discussions
Weaknesses:
It’s tough to broadcast messages to groups in LinkedIN, or to make messages viral
Yahoo groups are stronger and more functional than LinkedIN groups
LinkedIN is built to acquire a network, more than for communicating with a network
Communication with LinkedIN contacts are best done through good old email, after initial LinkedIN introduction
LinkedIN doesn’t coordinate well with blogs, nor have customizable apps…but we are told these are coming soon
The case for FaceBook: Strengths:
FaceBook is built for better communication within FaceBook. It’s easy to stay in contact with your network without jumping to outside email apps
On Facebook, you can directly email anyone, even if you aren’t connected to them
FaceBook has thousands of customizable apps, allowing recommendations, 2nd degree of separation, CRM like features, business cards
FaceBook has customizable control to allow (or block) access to your information by group or individual (so you can block all your job search information from people within your company)
FaceBook has viral messaging features, which is great for spreading the word
FaceBook is excellent in blog integration, photo sharing and tagging, video sharing, and groups. Facebook integrates well with Flickr & YouTube
68 million members and growing…fast. It’s 3x the size of LinkedIN
Weaknesses:
FaceBook is over-sensitive to spam, to the point of being ridiculous. If you template introductions, your account gets flagged at about 10 intro emails per a day. However, if you send friend requests without a note, it’s not considered spam. Go figure…
FaceBook recommendations, questions/answers are still weak, due to low adoption rates
FaceBook still has a social atmosphere, which means you’ll have friends that send cutsey messages to all of their friends…3 times a day. But you can block this feature
FaceBook really only gives you 1 level of separation, you can get to a second level with heavy lifting through a FaceBook app
Others can send you pictures, or add pics to your photo album. This means you have to regularly manage your online reputation, especially your public profile and photo album.
Common to Both:
Both LinkedIN & Facebook have solid job boards
Both have a status feature that lets you broadcast one-line status texts, like a built in Twittr
Both have voice integration with Skype and Jaxtr
Both are great for catching up with old classmates, or co-workers from past lives.
Both have introduction features
Neither has an easy integration of multiple social networks, phone or email lists, or contact management. Everything has to be exported and manipulated in Outlook, so it’s very limited, time consuming, & tricky
Summary: Both are winners, and a winning strategy is to use both, because they each have their strengths in helping you build your network and subject matter expertise.
Comments
Posted by: Isaac
Is it true that people make mistakes and deserve another chance? If thats true, why is it that I'm being overlooked by emploters because I have a felony? I have experience, polite, hard working, and a preasure to be around (so I'm told :P) I am at the end of my rope because I'm not getting the opportunity to show my real skills because closed-minded employers are unable to get past the dreaded "F" word on my applications. I could omit it, but my honesty wont allow me. Instead I would rather put it all on the table and be hired on the things that really matter like my experience and ability to lead. I guess I'll just keep on trying until someone out there gives this man a chance. Thank for the sounding board. Until next time.....Isaac
Posted by: Galina Blanken
I really need help with professional networking. I have three degrees in the health care field, but NO JOB.
Posted by: Steve Drake
I have over 20 years in compliance and operational risk, and 35 years in banking and NO JOB. So it isn't uncommon today. Companies aren't looking at people who are not where the job is located, since relocation is no longer typically offered. And frankly, all the networking I've done on LinkedIn and other sites hasn't produced. People have their heads down right now protecting their own jobs.
Posted by: Laura Wallace
I thought I would have a better chance of employers seeing my career profile I posted on nesstaffing.com. After uploading my application, answering nearly 20 interview questions, designing a cover letter and placing reference information and other networking links on their site, it was all removed by the administrators, I guess of nesstaffing. I feel really bad about losing all of that information, especially when I logged in to upgrade my information for more exposure. I feel let down and suppose I will have to look elsewhere for networking possibilities. I wish the best for all of my fellow job seekers out there.
Posted by: Greg Papin
It seems to me that just finding a job is a bigger challenge now. Being capable, experienced and willing to be fully dedicated to a new employer doesn't seem to impress the HR folks. It amazes me that we as job seekers spend hours trying to create the perfect resume and the time devoted to reviewing it is just 10 to 15 seconds per resume. Best wishes to my fellow job seekers, I believe there is a job out there for everyone who wants to work. I think networking with friends and past co-workers is probably the most helpful way to go. Good luck to all.-Greg
Posted by: Shannon
Isaac:Do you know for sure that it is your felony that is causing you to be overlooked? It may depend on what your felony was for. You are entitled to ask the employer why they are denying you employment. Check with your local department of workforce development. They can help you out with that question. Good luck to you!
Posted by: vesselin kavalov
I wish more "info"s are like this - 1/2 page, right to the point, in 1 minute I can assess my situation with respect of the issue at hand, make a decision and take an action and be done with! In this particular case my action was NOT to take an action - I am not signing up for Facebook (despite the "peer pressure" ;) - the Cons far outweigh the so-called Pros (in my case). Thanx for the great job!
Posted by: Timika Adams
I'm a 25 year old woman; I was wrongfully terminated about a month ago. They told me that they would deny my unemployment and I wouldn't get it and that's just what happened. Now I'm about to lose my apt and everything I have worked for. Finding a job is so hard and I have had no luck. I don't know what I'm going to do.
Posted by: Paula Ouellette
I was wrongfully terminated from a 28 yr career and have been unemployed for a year now. I have applied for over 200 jobs, posted my resume (which I have redone numerous times) on every job site possible and never get a response or call back for an interview. After reading this article, I truly believe that my former boss or subordinates have sabatoged me on the internet. I am at my wits end and really discouraged. Is there any way that I can find out what's out there besides spending big dollars or joining Facebook?
Posted by: Patrick Brewer
I'm with you Paula. I'm a 44yr old male who lost his job in April. I'm going on 3 months searching and already going stir crazy and getting frustrated. Tons of resumes and cover letters sent out and very few responses. I refuse to sign up on facebook or spend money on sites for distribution......especially when my budget is so tight now. I lost a job back in 05 to a company that sold out to an overseas competitor. I was still recovering from that setback. I must say though it is comforting knowing I'm not alone in this. I will be glad when I can sleep at night again! Good luck to all.
Posted by: Anita
Dear Isaac,Don't give up! There are employment agencies who have special workers to help felons get a job like Safer Foundation, etc. I saw on TV that this guy from Sater Foundation was a felon for selling drugs and he saw this guy one day and explained to him that he had a felony and the Supervisor would not hire him and he did not give up. He kept on asking that same guy for a job. After the third or fourth try that guy decided to give him a chance. He made sure he was early and worked hard every day. Then he went to a technical school and got his degree and now he is really getting paid. If he did it, so can YOU! Don't waste time feeling sorry for yourself. It is a waste of time and it keeps you from focusing on the prize. You can do it. I know you can if you apply your self. Congradulations in advance!
Posted by: Wanda Gaddis
So what is the best internet networking site??I am not that technical so getting a little lost out here! Any comments would be appreciated.Thanks
Posted by: Melissa Nelson
that was very interesting to read.
Posted by: Larry Tessari
I think the use of search engines and other investigative procedures by hiring managers and others has increased to the point where it is no longer reasonable or acceptable. Hiring managers are using items not related to job performance to disqualify applicants in ways that are abusive and threatening. Our government refuses to pass laws to prevent this from happening because large corporations hire all the lobbyists who finance election campaigns and private citizens have no voice in government.
Posted by: William Manning
With all the efforts of checking out our backgrounds before even interviewing us, what's going to happen when they don't find any perfectly innocent applicants out there? Don't we all have sins in our past? Mistakes? Errorneous decisions? Stupid ways? Who are they going to hire when no one is perfectly clean? I may have screwed some people in the past, but I have been screwed a lot more than I have ever screwed anybody else. And 5 months of being unemployed I am still being screwed every time I send out my resume!
Posted by: Jennyne
Do you think I should create a new email address for my professional resumes to be answered? Maybe I am ending up in prospective employers trash box. What about viruses in my system when I add the networking sites?THANKS
Posted by: Jay De Are
Facebook, LinkedIN etc all have value but never bare your soul for all to read or find. Put 75% of your energy into networking with old contacts and making new ones, they will give you job leads.
Posted by: Charlene Karr
I have been unemployed for a year, i have been on every web site and looked every where. so how do you find a job these days?
Posted by: Fortune
Good points on both sites. But for me personally, Facebook just wasn't working. I originally intended to keep up with former coworkers, and promote my writing. But I found that I was not using it for what I intended. Pretty soon I was getting silly with it, talking about things like my football team, or the latest CD I'd bought. And I found other people were getting silly with me. I had a 60-year-old real-life friend "throwing beads" at me. I had no idea what that meant, nor did I care. I also found myself joining endless groups, which ultimately I did nothing with. None of this is Facebook's fault; it's all mine, for not being able to focus properly. But if you can't, it might be better to stick to professional networking sites, like Linkedin, or Brightfuse. I'm on both, and they're working out very well for me. I'm getting help with my writing, and I can "stay on topic" with my contacts. That's helping a lot more than posting, "I just bought the latest CD!"
Posted by: June
I served four years in the Navy and I have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice but no matter how hard I try I can't seem to get a real job. One besides flipping burgers. Heck, it seems they won't even hire me, and I cannot figure out why. One article I read said they check your credit report. I think this is so unfair. All my debt really comes from medical bills, and debt I was forced into by my ex-husband, and now I have to suffer from that. In addition, I live in a college town, not by choice. Here they seem to rather hire the college kids that come and go than someone with a degree and staying. I just don't get and it has me so bummed out. I have three kids to take care of and no one to help. I need a job. Any advice?
Posted by: LuAnne Miller
I spent my entire life at Verizon, moving up through the years to make significant money. I am now looking for a new career and have a Masters at Johns Hopkins in Info. Systems. I can not believe how HARD it is to even get a reply from these online career sites.
Posted by: Bobby Reed
Great analysis and advice...I'm an older guy and really haven't used Facebook but currently using LinkedIn. I will develop a Facebook page soon...
Posted by: Elizabeth
To Timika - who was terminated and then denied unemployment. My advice, if you haven't already done so, is to appeal. I was terminated once, not given a good reason, denied unemployment on a reason the owner made up, and got unemployment. Good Luck!
Posted by: SHERYL REGAN
i have never used linked in. I am contacted more through facebook.
Posted by: karla Brown
I was terminated with no real reason, and only 2 months after getting a commentable raise. Now I am in jeopardy of losing my house and everything. I have posted 100 resumes been through the workforce, but no luck. I am a chef and in the food industry you still can not get a job. What do we do? how do we live?
Posted by: Robin Uecker
to Issac: if you need help in knowing what to say to interviewers or what to write on applications, I will be glad to assist you. My former profession was Job Developer/Career Counselor with ex-offenders.
Posted by: Pat
Boy, i was really feeling bad about not getting any response from any employers, but now that i see so many with such outstanding degrees & experience in the same boat as i. Our government has really let us all down....what happened to all those "jobs" that were promised??? I will run out of "emergency" unemployment next month... I will probably be homeless...and i know that there are thousands more out there just like me!
Posted by: Frederick Hanson
Good info on the differences and similarities of Facebook and LinkedIN. I have not used either product for job searching but am going to give it a shot. What have I got to lose but a little more time on my PC. I am unemployed and am looking at all options/opportunities that are out there.Fred
Posted by: John
Isaac, I have the same problem. I also have a felony conviction. My employer of 31yrs promised my job was safe when I return home from my brief stint at "Camp Fed" (12 months), but when I returned changed her mind! I've been denied dozens of jobs because of my felony without even asking what I did. Ok, granted there ARE certain jobs I can't have, but, in general, there's no reason for denying me a job for a mistake. I got over it, learned my lesson and want to get on with my life. I've been denied so many times, it seems like an exercise in futility. If people want to know why felons recommit? Well, GIVE them a JOB, and they won't go back! I've exhausted every means possible.
Posted by: John
Pat, I read your response to Isaac. I need the same assistance. I've been out of work so long that now I have another problem that is being out of work for too long, besides having a felony conviction. Perhaps it's what I say and write on the app?
Posted by: Jim Green On: 1/30/2010 10:39:44 PM
I appreciate the short explanation of the pros & cons of both systems. as well as showing everyone's comments! I know I am not alone in what seems like an endless struggle to find a job! Thanks again Jim
Posted by: kenya On: 2/7/2010 9:28:14 PM
Tamika: Do what I did-file unemployemt anyway. Make sure your profile is thorough. someone will contact you to validate your application to see who is at fault and determine whether or nor you will get unemployment. It was determined that I was indeed wrongfully terminated.
Posted by: A Berman On: 2/12/2010 10:23:05 AM
Simple difference between the two sites, Facebook is social networking, LinkedIn is professional networking. I find LinkedIn very useful when searching for connections into a targeted company because personal networking will give you the best results. If you speak to any outplacement counselor about a job search, the general consensus is that people find new jobs about 10% through recruiters, 10 - 15% through the internet and 75-80% through personal networking. And when it comes to personal networking, both LinkedIn and Facebook are OK, but no where near as effective as calls or face to face networking meetings. It's tough in the job market right now, I hope these comments are helpful.
Posted by: Wendy Hopkins On: 2/17/2010 12:34:53 PM
My sympathies to all job hunters - I've been unemployed 2 1/2 years and am still looking. I have a degree and more than 18 years experience (part of that experience includes producing the State of the State Address for a Governor.)The person who said to concentrate on networking through friends and former colleagues is right. I've gotten more leads from them than anywhere else. Also, don't expect replies from any employer - they usually only respond if you're a candidate. Employers could actually create a lot of jobs if they'd just hire someone to respond to the applicants! It's a cruel paradox - we're supposed to do everything we can to make ourselves available to their schedules for interviews, etc., but they don't even have the common courtesy to say "Thanks but no.." Facebook and LinkedIn are ok. I truly hope all you job hunters find a position where you're appreciated and paid what you're worth.
Posted by: Orin Allen On: 2/26/2010 4:47:47 PM
I use linkedin exclusively. Let's face it. Right now, it is tough. But the economy is slowly coming back. You need to use all your resources. Don't get internet depression and just apply for jobs on line. Ouch!! Some postings are receiving up to 2000 applicants for positions posted on common sites. 80% of jobs in todays market are secured through networking. I am a volunteer at the LDS Employment Resource Center here. You can look on line and see where the closest one is to you. They will help you with resumes, provide career workshops, all at no cost to you, additionally you can register on the free website where you can search for jobs in addtion to your networking. I am on linkedin and you can connect with me. I would love to help each of you try to find your next career. Anything I can do to help.
