Better networking tool for job seekers than Linkedin?

We all know that Linkedin is an awesome networking tool and an indispensable resource for job seekers. But what do you do if you are in job search mode and do not want your entire network and their network to know about it?

This is a very common occurrence and I can say that if I were looking for a better job, I would not want to put this out to my network because it would take less than a second for my manager to find out. Wouldn’t it be awesome if there was a networking tool that leveraged your social network but allowed you to control you gets notified? This is the very problem that a new start-up company called StartWire is attempting to solve. The company, which launched yesterday is attempting to change how job seekers collaborate with their social network.

Here are some details:

• The job seeker will sign up, create a profile and submit their resume.  The user will also select certain parameters like location, job title, and keywords.  Job listings from Indeed.com are then listed for perusal.
•  The next step is to connect to your various social networking websites.  You are given the option to load all of your contacts or you choose which contacts to select.  The decision on who will be invited to assist you in your search is in your hands. 
•  Your contacts then are given the option to join StartWire
• When you see a job that appeals to you, you can flag it, and create a message and ask your contacts for assistance.
•  Your network can also make job suggestions or provide advice. 

Another cool feature of ShareWire is their “Expert Advice” tab.  This tool will allow job seekers to connect with professional career advisers and get their job questions answered.  Of course you can always get in touch with me any ask me any career related questions as well.

It is hard to predict if this site will take off or just fade away.  Let me know what you think about this new tool?

One Response to “Better networking tool for job seekers than Linkedin?”

1. Anne Sales says:

   January 13, 2011 at 3:42 pm

   That’s a cool social networking sites for jobseekers. What I think about it is that it may not fare well in the first couple of years. But it’s good to note that it’s taking advantage of using Facebook connect. Hopefully, it will attract a good number of people from FB.

   Anyway, I have got a question for you. I used to be a language teacher but now I’m in a different country and cannot use my profession. Anyway, since I also love writing, I thought of writing online as a job. I see people making a success in this path. Do you think I should pursue it as well?

   Thanks for your reply.