[Rick Lee]

I think you're nuts for not using LinkedIn. It helped get me my current job and it got me several interviews when I was looking. I found a place I wanted to work, but knew the competition would be stiff. So I searched and found someone on LinkedIn who worked in the dept. I was applying for and sent him a note, explaining he didn't know me from a hole in the ground, but I'd really appreciate his help in moving my application along. And he did. And he did it again for another job there when I didn't get the first one. I've still never met the guy, but feel like I owe him a beer.

My current job started with a recruiter who checked me out on LinkedIn after we got to talking. My network makes it very apparent that my resume is real and not fluffed up. That counts for something when you're dealing with a recruiter on the other side of the country. I got the offer a month to the day from losing my last job, they matched my best W2 and with plenty more opportunity.