Online networking sites have become increasingly popular. These resources allow participants to quickly and easily expand their circle of contacts, share information and keep abreast of industry trends.

Executives involved in hiring decisions also are finding these online communities to be a valuable tool. According to a Robert Half survey, nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of executives interviewed said professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn, will prove useful in the search for job candidates in the next few years. And one in three (35 percent) cited social networking sites such as Facebook as a recruiting resource they plan to tap.

For more information about using the Web in your networking efforts and job hunt, request your free copy of Search Smarts: Best Practices for Conducting an Online Job Search.