Exec job hunters turn to social networking

Professional social networking sites, such as LinkedIn and Plaxo, are becoming an increasingly popular tool for senior executives wanting to progress their careers and find out about job opportunities.

These social networks are now rivalling executive online job boards in popularity, according to research from recruitment consultancy Harvey Nash.

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The research found 90 per cent of the 500 senior European executives quizzed are members of professional networking sites but just 50 per cent post their CV on an online job board.

Building up a personal profile and networking online are now seen as playing an important part in career progression by 93 per cent of the respondents.

And respondents expect the popularity of online networking to continue to grow with many saying it will be even more important as a job searching tool over the next few years.

Of the networks used by executives, LinkedIn was most popular with 57 per cent saying they are members. This was followed by Plaxo with 16 per cent, while Facebook was fifth with six per cent.

Harvey Nash director, Carol Rosati, said there is a shift in the way senior execs develop their careers towards the more personalised approach that social networking sites cater for.

She said it's essential for employers and recruiters to become more active around professional networks in order to remain competitive.