not really - i have a profile only on linked in and people do msg me - but i've never really used it to network...my boyfriend who's a recruiter does all the time though.

I wouldn't be opposed to using them as a way to continue a relationship or reconnect an old one. I think LinkIn would be the better route to go for professional connections.
However, I feel that face-to-face networking is much more effective. It's much more personal and you can "present" yourself in a better way. But that's just my opinion.

Not really...but I'm not opposed to it.

I agree with bfly, face to face is the most memorable. Though I have been added to LinkIn, I never use it. I would rather email or call someone if I can't meet them in person.

I have attempted to use the internet for job networking, but nothing really seems to come of it. I believe I have a profile on LinkedIn. I joined a women's networking group in Yahoo! Groups at one point. I've joined various nonprofit communities as well. Even though I've never gotten any real leads on jobs, it's still nice to meet people in the field and that are all successes in their own right.

No, I haven't.
But I know lots of people who put their cmpany up there (like a flower place) and let people know about it!

I try to avoid the people I work with at all costs. Both IRL and online.

i have a myspace but I dont use it for job-finding....mostly places like careerbuilder.com, or I look in the paper in the classified.

but that was 3 years ago....I haven't looked for a job since!

I was really apprehensive about joining LinkedIn but it has really helped with professional networking and contacts. Recently a friend told me that her company was looking to fill a position doing online media sales and the 2 candidates had a similar background and were very evenly matched.

What it ultimately came down to is one of the candidates had 115 contacts and 1 recommendation on LinkedIn, an the other had 400+ contacts and 5 recommendations - so the one with more got the job. Whenever I tell my friends this story, someone always says "well I know that my company looks people up on LinkedIn when we are considering hiring them, so it isn't that surprising that it came down to # of contacts."

It is a great way of keeping contacts (especially when you work in an industry that "non competes" become issues), proving that you are a great networker, storing recommendations (especially if you are looking for a reference from a supervisor...but don't want them to know you are looking for a new job!) and identifying new career opportunities. It amazes me that so many people don't use professional networking as a tool.

Um, I have friends from my current and old workplaces (including 3 supervisor-types) on my facebook - does that count?

MindayH-

Thanks for sharing your positive experience! Now when other people ask me about LinkedIn I'll use your story as a reference.

xo,
Savvy

I have to say in the last few months LinkedIn has become a great tool. I have met many recruiters and have been interviewing like crazy.

I've been using Linkedin as a tool while job searching, and it's proven invaluable. It's not used much as a social network. There's no blurry line between social and business, and that's definitely needed. I keep them separate at work, so I definitely want them separate while job hunting.

I created a profile page, have recommendations on there which I know potential employers have checked out, and I've gotten 3 interviews that were for jobs posted exclusively on Linkedin, so I'm a big proponent of the site. It's suddenly growing in leaps and bounds too, as people find out about it.

I don't have the patience for MySpace or FaceBook or, well, anything much but Sugar anymore...I must check out Linkedin though.

I absolutely would if I was in a different career field and needed to network.

I keep in touch with at least one person from previous jobs for references. It's mostly by e-mail or phone though.
I should check out LinkedIn though, if for nothing else than helping out a friend who is looking for a job.

I like researching job opportunities on the Internet- but of course I would only follow through with the interview and such if it was face to face or at least over the phone.

i had never heard of linkedin but have now joined. i do think its good to stay in contact with people on facebook and i think that its a whi you know world.. plus these people might pull through one day in the future