Consider these networks and how they may play a role in your career plans:

Expand your network via Tokkster. This beta-stage web plug-in allows users to chat with others who are concurrently visiting the same website. Asher Adelman, one of Tokkster’s creators, explains how the organization takes privacy very seriously. “We’ve designed Tokkster so that nobody’s data, browsing history or chats are ever collected, stored, or tracked,” he says. In fact, Tokkster users do not have names or ‘handles.’

Be found via Vizibility.com. When you use Vizibility.com, you can make it easier for people to access the information you want them to see when they search for you online. This is a helpful site for job seekers, and it’s particularly useful if you have a common name. Vizibility’s basic features are free, but the site also offers a paid version with more advanced options. The key is to first have some Google-indexed search results (for example, your LinkedIn profile, Twitter account, media mentions, and/or your own website).

Access new information using StartWire. Chris Forman, CEO of the job search organizer StartWire, says, “Using this free tool, you can find out when your online applications are reviewed by thousands of employers and track your progress. StartWire users share where they have applied by emailing their thanks for applying confirmations to apps@startwire.com.

Demonstrate your expertise with Pinterest. Pinterest has been getting a lot of buzz in the blogosphere. Like other networks (such as Twitter) that are not necessarily designed with professional networking in mind, Pinterest has interesting potential job search applications. Using the site (by invitation only, which you receive after adding your name to a wait list), you can create a virtual pinboard of interests about any topic.

Read the rest of the post (with more information about each network) on my US News & World report blog.

photo by L. Marie

The post New tools for your job hunt appeared first on Keppie Careers.

One of the creaters, Asher Adelman, explained that the application is designed to mimic in-person interactions. Just as you don’t normally wear a name tag when you are out and about, Tokkster users do not have “handles.” All that identifies you when you are using the app is the avatar you upload, and if you choose to share more information when you “meet” others via the app, that is up to you.

Sensitive to privacy concerns, founders chose for Tokkster interactions to be real-time only — just like a regular conversation — chats are not saved. Once a conversation closes, it is gone. The site explains, “Privacy is very important to us, and we’ve designed Tokkster so that nobody’s data, browsing history or chats are ever collected, stored or tracked.”

Tokkster’s site addresses additional privacy concerns:

• Your name and other personal information is not accessible to other users.
• The only thing that people can see of yours on Tokkster is your photo.
• Tokkster does not collect, store or track anyone’s browsing history or their chats.
• If you wish to be “invisible” to other users on certain websites, you can easily minimize the Tokkster app and you will not be seen or or see anyone else. You won’t be able to receive any chat messages when your app is minimized.
• When you log into your email or online banking, Tokkster is automatically disabled. The site notes, “No one can “see”or access any information from your bank, email or other personal accounts.

Once youâ€ve installed Tokkster (you can get your app HERE — it’s free),  youâ€ll see photos of the other users who are visiting the same webpage as you. To start chatting with another user, all you need to do is click on their photo! (See the photo below for an example.) Currently, this brand new application is available for Internet Explorer 7.0+, but Chrome, Firefox, and Safari versions are expected soon. Follow Tokkster on Facebook (www.facebook.com/tokkster) and they will alert you when Firefox and Chrome versions are ready.

I’m planning some special events for Tokkster users starting in January. I’ll have some job search and social media Q&A on Keppie Careers’ site, and I’m looking forward to spending time online with other Tokkster users in the new year! Be sure to sign up now so you’ll be well versed in the app when we  get started!

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