Jennifer Carpenter, writing over at Cheezhead, relates the results of a survey of HR executives conducted by Challenger, Grey, & Christmas. Among other things the survey looked at how HR execs were hiring new employees.

The most important results of the survey seem to be in regards to networking - both on an offline. The executives ranked 3.98 out of 5 in the level of importance (5 being the highest) with social networking coming up next with a 3.3.

This is important for a number of reasons, but what stands out most to me is the importance of cultivating both your ON and OFFLINE communities. Focusing on just one aspect of networking is going to put you behind other job seekers. You need a well rounded approach.

For more info on networking and social networking, check out the ThinkTalk Blog archives.

It's Monday, the start of another glorious week of The Links ...

Alison's Job Search Blog Provides the Most Useful Answers to Popular Interview Questions: No one wants to be stumped in an interview and come off like a mumbling, stammering, fool. Alison Doyle offers answers to questions like "what is your greatest weakness" and how to come up with your own questions for the interviewer.

My Global Career Offers a Few Words To Say If and When You Get Fired: I know, you don't want to think about that. But just in case: "try and paint a picture for your boss that portrays your remaining at the company in a positive light, and creates a vision of you as an employee determined to pull your weight, to excel, and be beneficial to the company? In other words, how can you–on the spot–change your boss’s mind and help her see that doing so will be to her advantage?"

The Career Doctor Discusses Career Portfolios: "I am a big proponent of career portfolios because they are just another selling tool in the job-seeker’s career toolbox. A resume states what someone has accomplished, but a portfolio can actually show it! There is nothing more powerful, in my mind, than pulling out a hefty portfolio of your work and placing it on the interviewer’s desk with a resounding 'thump.'"

Cheezhead Advises to Put Your Personal Brand Above Your Schools: Chris Perry points out (rightly, I think) that while it is important what school you go to, it will not make or break your career. It is just as important to prove what value YOU provide. "If you have attended what is considered to be a “top school,” do not make the mistake of being overly confident by believing that your school’s reputation will be the tipping point in getting you the job. Your personal brand must be even more impressive than the brand of your alma mater. Steer interview conversation to your personal achievements, strengths and contributions."

"Too Many Social Networks" courtesy M. Keefe via Flickr Creative Commons