With personal lives being published and updated daily online, it is natural that the Internet is where the job search is moving. Maintaining a professional appearance on social profiles is important, as networking has turned digital.

According to www.providentliving.org, approximately 70 percent of all jobs are found by networking. Networking is developing and maintaining relationships with various people and is vital to a successful job search. Michael Grace, a senior studying computer information technology, landed his dream job by utilizing his Twitter account to find employment. 

“I used Twitter,” Grace said. “I found friends locally and internationally who were doing what I was doing. I looked for people who were looking to employ and they saw that I really enjoyed what I was doing and was active and passionate.” 

Grace has worked part-time for 3 months at Kynetx, a company that created a platform for developers to create applications that run in browsers that cross domains.

“I’ve never used my résumé, not once,” Grace said. “I’ve always been able to get the jobs that I need to progress as a developer through my contacts. I get to do the programming, Web development, user problem solving and all sorts of great stuff.”

Grace is currently working on an application that will help students during registration. “When a student goes to the registration page, it automatically goes to www.ratemyprofessor.com and grabs the teacher’s information and it will appear on the registration page,” Grace said.

Grace recommended that students never post statements that they would not say in front of employers or potential employers. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of the importance of being careful with what one says online in his address, “Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet.” 

“Words recorded on the Internet do not disappear. Any Google or Yahoo! Search is going to find one’s words, probably for a very long time. … As you participate in this conversation and utilize the tools of new media, remember who you are — Latter-day Saints,” Elder Ballard said.

Grace also recommended uploading good profile pictures. 

“Choose a picture that not only represents you professionally, but one that is also eye catching and unique. When we talk about résumés, we talk about doing things that make you stand out. You can do the same with your profile picture,” he said.

Elder Ballard encouraged members to use the Internet to further chances for growth.

 “Make sure that the choices you make in the use of new media are choices that expand your mind, increase your opportunities, and feed your soul,” Elder Ballard said.

Grace used his networking skills online to increase his opportunities for employment. 

 “The thing about social networks and profiles is that they are public, and some students may think that potential employers don’t check social networks but they do,” Grace said. “When we look for new interns or hires, we ask for twitter name, blog URL, and other social network sites. With employers being able to look at them, they see interests, friends and passion level for what they will potentially be hired for.”

Use social profile sites to increase your network and employment opportunities.

“[Social networks] are platforms to display passion to people who are in the field you want. Making those contacts is as simple as making comments on things they post on their social networks. Don’t be stupid. Just jump in with both feet, get wet and try it.”

Lauren Villaroman

Lifestyle Editor