Confused by the new rules of job search?    Do you feel like you are spinning your wheels and not getting anywhere?  Read  The Web 2.0 Job Finder: Winning Social Media strategies to get the job you want from Fortune 500 Hiring Pros by Brenda Greene and Coleen Byrne.  

Finding a job has never been more difficult or more competitive.   The authors do a good job of simplifying the process and helping the applicant understand the mentality of Fortune 500 recruiters.   Using interviews with 35 recruiters and other research, the authors explain the necessity of using social networking tools such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook to promote your “digital brand.”   These interviews are particularly revealing.   Recruiters explain how your “30 second pitch” is more important than a traditional cover letter that might not even get read.

The authors start by explaining how to create, develop, and maintain an online presence and brand.    They also explain clearly how to: adopt best practices for getting a job by writing skill (not job!) specific resumes, target jobs that match your skills and anticipate what a company needs.   Chapter 3 is a great introduction to LinkedIn and the “hidden job market.”  

Brenda Greene also wrote Get the Interview Every time: Proven Resume and Cover Letter Strategies from Fortune 500 Hiring Professionals.