Do Job Seekers Have to Use Social Networks?

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People get hired all the time without using social networking. For people who hate it, they shouldn't be made to feel as if they're crippling their job search. People who like it should use it; people who don't have plenty of other tools at their disposal.

Alison Green of DC 6:06PM September 21, 2009

I agree that using social media sites isn't mandatory, in the sense that no one is going to get you in trouble if you don't. But Tyler is right. Social Networking is a part of an overall strategy, and you will miss out on the opportunity to set yourself apart from the crowd if you stay away from social media.
If you absolutely cannot stand to use social media, there are some great sites that don't technically qualify as social media, but do allow you to be an individual within the large applicant pool. I found OneWire (http://www.onewire.com), and it's great. You create your profile on the site so that you can learn about various opportunities and be matched to positions at financial firms, and no networking is required.

Shannon of NY 5:59PM September 21, 2009

Seriously? You don't think using LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter should be required now? What kind of job seekers are you talking about?
Social networking sites are the exact SAME THING as networking in general. Go to where the people are. Talk to them. See if that friend of a friend's boss is hiring. It's simple and it works.
To say it shouldn't be required is ridiculous. It's part of an overall strategy. Why WOULDN'T you want to increase your chance of success?

Tyler Hurst of AZ 4:14PM September 21, 2009