Online Networking: MySpace - Facebook - MyWorkster

Given the number of career and job searching sites that are available online, I'm always a little surprised when someone comes along with a new site that addresses a need in the market.It's nice to know that there are sites that are ahead of the curve and concepts that haven't been covered yet. It keeps those of us who write about jobs and careers on our toes and always on the lookout for the next new good idea.

MyWorkster is a good example of a site that has found (and filled) a niche. Online networking has expanded significantly during the last few years, and should be an integral part of everyone's career building and job searching. For the MySpace and Facebook generation, MyWorkster is the natural progression from social networking at sites like MySpace to professional networking at sites like LinkedIn.

Separate Your Personal and Professional Life
Using a site like MyWorkster is a good way to keep your personal life separate from your business life. Much has been written about job seekers not getting hired because of what was considered inappropriate material on their MySpace or Facebook page. Even pictures can be enough to jeopardize your chances of getting a job offer.

Now, there's a way to have a professional presence online (including a profile, resume, and video resume) as well as a means of networking with other job seekers and employers. MyWorkster also has job listings, which are provided by Indeed, the job search engine.

MyWorkster went live to an overwhelming response from students, graduates, college career offices, and employers. MyWorkster's Jeff Saliture and Doug Baruchin told me that even though they realized there was a need to provide new candidates to the job market with a competitive professional edge (profile, video resume and a link that could connect employers with the information), they were a little surprised at how popular the site has become in a short amount of time.

Employers are approaching MyWorkster to seek candidates. Doug and Jeff (and partner Yusef Qasim, the project web developer) have been invited to several college conferences and career fairs to provide information to students and alumni. Students and recent graduates have been thrilled with the product, as well.

Jeff and Doug were kind enough to take the time to give me a tour of MyWorkster, and to share information on how it can help with job searching and career networking.

Your MyWorkster Account
The following is a summary of what you can include in your MyWorkster (free) account. I especially like the Instant Messenger feature - you can see which of your contacts are online and you can IM them when they're available without leaving the site.
The blog feature is useful, too, for those who want to have a business / professional voice as part of their profile.

MyWorkster Options

Profiles (Personal and Business)
Instant Messenger (built into the site)
Groups (College Alumni Associations, Sports Groups, etc.)
Network (Your Contacts)
Events (Interviews, Other Events, and Reminders)
Resume (Conventional and Video)
Blog (Personal and Group)

Once you have set up your account, you will have a link you can list on your resume and/or share with potential employers and networking contacts.

For More From Alison Doyle, Your Guide to Job Searching. : MyWorkster: