I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Social Media networking sites are moving towards the ‘essential’ pile for those of you on the international job search.

The popularity of sites such as LinkedIn and twitter has gone crazy since the onset of the global recession, and it’s not hard to see why.

In the article Looking for a Job? Try LinkedIn or Twitter, it has confirmed that:

Since the start of the recession in December 2007, about 6.7 million workers have been laid off according to latest statistics — at a time the popularity of social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter have exploded, drawing millions of users per day.

As these sites continue to alter social and cultural landscapes, they are also transforming the job search process, enabling more and more people to connect with potential employers, promote their own skills, set up support groups and search for job leads and contacts.

This is such a great piece and recommends all the basic advantages as to why you should be utilizing these tools to help in your ever competitive job market.

Mostly, it’s important to re-iterate how easy these sites make your job search if it is your aim to secure a position abroad. You see the world really has become smaller with the internet explosion, and from using LinkedIn to find organizations and employees in your industry or organization of choice, you can choose your country to focus on and build a network via closely screened associates who may be able to help you.

Twitter would enable you to search for likeminded people all over the world who just love sharing information.
It’s easier than jumping on a plane and putting in the footwork, but don’t think you can just take the easy route and expect the job offers and connections to come flying in There is work to be done online in researching and connecting with appropriate people, asking the right questions, joining groups and sharing information with those who seek it. All these are key to utilizing the new social media tools to your fullest advantage in your international job search.

Good luck, let us know how you get on!