Naked CIO: Social networks are useless for finding a job

While social networking sites can be fun for connecting with family and friends, they're no use when it comes to professional networking, says the Naked CIO.

It used to be that social networking websites were a perfect place to collaborate with colleagues, bring together like-minded people and make professional contacts who could enhance your career. But no more.

Recently I spoke to a group of students about how to network and the importance of networking as a way to develop their professional goals.

As the technologist within the room, I was asked how students should use Facebook and similar sites to develop their professional networks in the hopes of enhancing their career opportunities.

My answer was that as time goes on I see these online social networks (including even LinkedIn and other work-focused sites) becoming less rather than more effective in developing meaningful networks that can be used for career opportunity.

The whole essence of social networking has changed recently from a quality to a quantity-driven medium. It's more important to have more friends than a selection of good ones.

The space is also becoming more anonymous than ever and often people are friends with others they don't really know.

All this means it's hard when you see a profile to have confidence in your connection to that individual and feel you could recommend them as a viable candidate for a career opportunity.

So the question, 'can online social networks improve your ability to find suitable employment?' meets with a 'no' response from me.

My faith in the online social networking medium itself, even while it is gaining muster, is diminishing.

I believe it's rife with imposters, prima donnas and embellishers. I also think the fad is becoming too mainstream, in that you must be there to be cool. All of these factors take away from the true power of the medium to be a focused and relevant place where relationships and ideas can take form.

Obviously, there are exceptions but as these sites become even more popular and these trends of anonymity and loose connections become more pervasive, I expect those exceptions to become fewer and fewer.

For personal use I think social network sites are fun, if a bit of a time waster. However, for professional networking, they're absolutely useless.

Do you agree with the Naked CIO? Do you think social networks have a place in business? Let us know by posting a reader comment below