Getting social with job searching-- Is it all it's cracked up to be?

This downturn has had a notable new trend with job seekers: Going social. Of course, the best source for jobs has always been personal networks, and the dreaded "networking mixer" springs to mind, but this time around online social networks have been seen as the holy grail of finding that perfect gig.

To me, anyway, sending out as many potential resumes to all your social network acquaintances doesn't exactly ring of finding the perfect gig, and ZDNET would agree. They point out employers who tend to use social networks don't always find potential candidates from them, because especially in lackluster economic times, the deluge of email applications they receive means more time spent screening potential applicants.

Instead of using the "jobs" section of LinkedIn or the like, we'd recommend going the old fashioned way, and hitting up your social networking contacts like you would in real life-- sending contacts messages asking if they've heard of any gigs that might suit you. It's not as easily searchable as those jobs sections, but in the end, you'll likely find a better gig anyway, and at least you'll already have a leg up with a potential recommendation.

Have social networks worked for you? Have you found a gig from a "jobs" section of LinkedIn or the like? Sound off in the comments and let us know what works for you.