By Fiona Chan

USING Facebook to keep in touch with work contacts may sound like a slacker's excuse for spending time on the Internet.

But more and more people are finding online networks a useful way to expand their pool of friends and acquaintances, and even scope out job prospects.

A walking example is Mr Anthony Leong, 31, who has taken his job search online through electronic networks such as Facebook and Web messaging program MSN Messenger.

Although he initially used these networks to keep in touch with friends, he realised they were also handy tools for the corporate world. He has asked his 'trusted network' of friends to help him find a job by introducing him to their own friends and providing a reference.

'Networking is important in every aspect of life,' he said. 'You never know when you might hit the jackpot with a huge pool of contacts at your fingertips.'

Human resource firms are seeing more people like Mr Leong, who use social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn in their professional lives.

Most of them are part of the Generation Y workforce, who view these sites as an essential part of their daily lives and think it natural to extend their use into the workplace, said Mr James Mendes, managing director for recruitment specialist Alexander Mann Solutions.

But even the older generation is jumping on the bandwagon, he added. The biggest perk of these sites: They are free.

The more people sign on to these networks, the more effective the websites become as a tool to manage a large base of contacts, said Mr Josh Goh, senior manager of corporate services at The GMP Group, a human resource consultancy.

This behaviour has not gone unnoticed by companies, which are getting in on the action by, for example, using social networking sites to host recruitment drives, he added.

But not all sites are equal. Facebook is more of a casual social network that helps people stay in touch with friends and family, while a site like LinkedIn is meant for professionals to mingle.

As with every corporate situation, there is proper etiquette to be observed on social networking sites, said Mr Goh.

Obvious no-nos include bad-mouthing your current or previous employers on your website profile, and openly searching for another job while you are still employed, he added.

Companies and individuals alike often make the mistake of providing too much information online, said Mr Mendes. 'Keeping content brief, thoughtful and insightful ensures a captive audience.'

To maximise the value of online networks, serious job-seekers should update their profiles regularly and carefully, Mr Goh said. 'Some companies are using networking sites to find candidates. Keeping your profile updated can increase your employment opportunities.'

Employers also look at the interests you list on your profile, as well as the personal information you disclose. Choosing what to make public can affect your chances of getting a job offer, he added.

The photos you post, the personal information you disclose, and even the other sites you are linked to can compromise your image and job opportunities, he said.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.