I think LinkedIn is probably a better social/professional networking site for your purposes.

facebook is primarily designed as a way for you to keep track of people you already know (i know this isn't entirely true). So if you already have a network of people to contact about getting a job, facebook is a good way to keep track of people you know who might have changed careers, work at a place you'd like to work at, etc.

otherwise, try LinkedIn but getting a job through a social networking site is pretty difficult unless you're good at networking in general which is why I wouldn't rely on one since I'm not very good at schmoozing, etc.

Facebook didn't help me worth a damn.

I'd recommend hitting up alums of the college you went to. There's much more of a connection there than to someone you meet on Facebook.

I'm seconding LinkedIn if you want to use social networking to network for a job. But, the personal touch will always win out over messaging and e-mails.

A few of my college buddies talked me into joining Facebook a few weeks ago. So far, all it's been good for is letting me know that some of my friends are WAAAAAAAY more religious than I ever knew and providing the awesome "Splendour in the Grass" satisfaction of knowing that my ex-boyfriend looks like shit. (He really does. It's pretty awesome how awful he looks.)

When you're looking for a job, one thing you need to do is tell basically every single person you ever talk to that you're looking for a job. So, on the face of it, I'd say "yes." Just post somewhere that you're looking for a job - on your profile, or make notes about your job search on your status.

It really makes sense to bring the knowledge that you're in the job market to everyone you know. There's absoutely no way to tell who might be looking, or know of a job opening, without broaching the subject. Your mentioning that you're looking may remind your friends that they know of a position opening up.

It's probably not your best tool, but it can't hurt, and when job hunting, take a totally "scorched-earth" strategy. Leave no avenue unexplored.

I'm not looking for a job but I use Linked-in to keep in contact with old co-workers and classmates just in case I do need one. I live in a small city with a very small high-tech community and networking is the only way that I'll find a job if/when I need one. Almost everyone that I work with now has worked with someone else in the company at at least one other company.

The thing that I like about Linked-in is that it's just for business networking so that there's no confusion about intentions when you add someone as a contact. I have actually gotten a few unsolicited interview offers via linked in over the last year and if I find myself in the market I'll go back to them to see if they're still interested.

If you already know a bunch of people, particularly in your profession (and/or city) who you think could potentially help you get a job, then sure, join Facebook and start your networking.

If you are starting from scratch, LinkedIn is definitely better for business networking, though. There are some new tools since I've been active, but it definitely doesn't have any of the dating/going-drinking vibe that other sites inevitably gravitate toward.

Of course, in this job climate, I'd personally recommend using any and all tools, except maybe MySpace.

I think LinkedIn is probably a better social/professional networking site for your purposes.

Linked-in sounds like a good idea, too. I'll check 'em out.

The thing that I like about Linked-in is that it's just for business networking so that there's no confusion about intentions when you add someone as a contact.

It's nice that the boundaries are clear. People seem to get themselves really worked up about the social implications of Facebook "friending." Is he really a friend-friend? Am I obligated to accept friend requests from people I can't stand in real life? Etc.

At least here, it's just business.

Facebook didn't help me worth a damn.

That sucks. Sorry about that.

If you are starting from scratch, LinkedIn is definitely better for business networking, though.

That's a lot closer to my current situation.

otherwise, try LinkedIn but getting a job through a social networking site is pretty difficult unless you're good at networking in general which is why I wouldn't rely on one since I'm not very good at schmoozing, etc.

But, the personal touch will always win out over messaging and e-mails.

Very good points. Networking is not one of my strengths. Doing it online won't make it effective beyond the limits of my interpersonal skills.

But on the other hand:

It's probably not your best tool, but it can't hurt, and when job hunting, take a totally "scorched-earth" strategy. Leave no avenue unexplored.

So maybe Facebook might work well as a secondary job hunting strategy, something that might lead to a chance contact with someone who might put me in contact with an opportunity. I wouldn't rely on it as one of my primary search tools. But if it gets my name out there, and opens up the possibility of a chance encounter with someone who might be in a position to help, it might just be worthwhile.

So far, all it's been good for . . . providing the awesome "Splendour in the Grass" satisfaction of knowing that my ex-boyfriend looks like shit.

And schadenfreude! It provides schadenfreude as well!

Sold!

Oh, it provides lots of Schadenfruede. And also lots of "two roads diverged in a yellow wood..." moments, and lot of "There but for the grace of God..." moments. It's worthwhile enough.

Thanks for all of your advice!