Jumping in the job search pool

Confession time -- I need a job, more importantly I want a career.
I received a Masters Degree in May and since then I have basically swirled my big toe in the pool (got to keep the metaphor going), but now I am ready to dive in and get my head wet.

Of course I have taken to the internet but trying to do it more effectively then I did 10 years ago, when I was searching for my first job post-college. It's a miracle that I found the job that I did. One day I went on HotJobs and applied for a job in a publicity department at Penguin. Much to my surprise I was called in for an interview with HR and then another and I got the job. I was there for almost 6 six years. Amazing.

Now, well things are different. The internet is still a vital tool in job searching but social connections remain equally as vital. But what do "social connections" mean in the new media landscape? I my mind it means that I'll have to harness the power of Twitter and LinkedIn in order to find the job that I want. With LinkedIn, most of those connections are real, I actually know those people and they in turn know people that could potentially employ me or aid me in my quest. While Twitter allows me to find people/companies in the field that I want and I can "follow" them and possibly make connections and get information. Tory Johnson, "Good Morning America's" career guru, has already given me some useful advice, that would never have happened if not for Twitter.

What I find somewhat baffling, having been on both sides of the hiring process is how to get noticed at a time when there are some many looking for jobs and in particular in the media industry. It has always been a tough industry and the economic situation is not helping.

So for my first foray into the serious business of job searching I'm relying on Mashable, there are some truly great tips on finding jobs and resume formatting and all of those related issues. Also, I changed my profile on Twitter to reflect what I want and started following some relevant people.

Let the fun begin!