Mediaboss Marketing

Two weeks ago I asked, "What's so social about social media?" I'm very critical not of social media per se, but of the overuse of and over indulgence in it: people hanging out on Linkedin, Facebook, and all kinds of other ersatz social environments - and not getting out and doing some real networking.

The sum and substance of my disenchantment with social media from a career coach's point of view is that it's just not doing for your career what you might think it is, while concurrently contributing to an appalling loss of interpersonal, team and in-person social networking skills. So I figured it's time for my "Six Amigos" to weigh in again. If I haven't convinced you yet, read on.

Diane Young, partner, Steps to Success; founder, Unemployed Optimists, Fair Lawn

Social media is a powerful tool for job-seekers when used correctly. Overuse, misuse and abuse of social media, however, are serious issues. Overuse is spending too much time on line. Limit social media time and spend it at public places where you will encounter people with mutually beneficial opportunities. Misuse is logging in with no clear goal. Have a specific plan to update your profile, research companies, or search keywords on job boards. Abuse is collecting without connecting. Don't boast about how many connections you have. Connect with appropriate people, get to know them, and correspond with them periodically. There is no substitute for face-to-face networking with other job seekers or at informational and industry-specific events.

Alex Freund, The Landing Expert, career coach, Princeton

With great impetus, the pendulum of social media has swung all the way in one direction in its support, fueled ferociously by itself. While such self-serving activity has many positive aspects, it often leads to the question "So where did all the time go?" I also see its negative impact on job seekers. Over 27 percent of hiring companies have already stated that they're reducing their use of social media in locating candidates, as it has produced huge numbers of unqualified candidates. They also know that good candidates are harder to find, as a result. Make yourself easier to find by getting out there.

Janelle Razzino, executive recruiter, Razzino Associates, Westwood

As a recruiter for 24 years, I've always kept an open mind to many changes, new tools and now, social media channels. But (and that's a BIG sigh), I am always leery of shortcuts to accomplish enormous tasks like looking for a new opportunity. Nothing feels as good as or takes the place of a firm handshake or a great smile while networking on your feet instead of on your screen. Stop hanging out on social media sites and start hanging out in real life with other great people at your networking groups. Companies call people who know people who are well-suited for open positions.

Cathy Love, director of Career Development Center, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck

The old adage "never put all your eggs in one basket" was never as true as it is today in the job-hunting arena. Spending days on the Internet isn't enough. Use multiple approaches. Join a professional association, meeting others in your field - they may know of hidden market opportunities. Connect with job-seeker support groups to exchange information. Volunteer at your favorite non-profit; you'll feel good helping others, and it may afford networking opportunities.

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Career Coach: Los 'Seis Amigos' y Social Media