New Book Explains How College Students Can Use Social Media to Attract Jobs

BOSTON, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- In the past few years, the competition for
entry-level jobs has increased substantially, and the 1.4 million college
graduates this year are about to face the toughest challenge to date. The
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that companies
are hiring only 1.3% more graduates in 2009, which is down from 16% in 2008.

The way we manage our careers is changing and the Internet has become the new
ticket to post-graduate success. In his new book, Me 2.0: Build a Powerful
Brand to Achieve Career Success (Kaplan Publishing, April 7, 2009), Dan
Schawbel explains how anyone can become successful by using social media
tools, such as blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, in order to stand out
and make a name for themselves. Me 2.0 is the first book about personal
branding written for the millennial generation by a millennial, that bridges
the gap between the current business environment and the progressive best
practices of the future. "In a tough employment environment, it is absolutely
essential to move past old rules and embrace job hunting 2.0 -- Dan Schawbel's
new book will show you how," explains Sydney Finkelstein, Steven Roth
Professor of Management, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

"If you want to get a job out of college or succeed in the job you're
currently in, you have to be the commander of your career, which means that
you're accountable for your own destiny," explains Dan Schawbel, the leading
personal branding expert for Gen-Yers. Me 2.0 teaches you how to use social
media tools for personal empowerment, confidence building, and professional
networking that can actually result in attracting jobs directly to you,
without applying! Recruiters will find you.

"Not only do you have to aggressively promote yourself, but you also have to
protect your brand, by claiming your domain name and actively grooming your
Google results," says Dan. A recent Careerbuilder.com survey showed that one
in every five hiring managers used social networks to conduct background
checks on candidates.

Highlights from Me 2.0 include:

-- A 4-step proven personal branding process for career success.
-- Over 40 expert quotes from leaders, including Don Tapscott, Guy
Kawasaki, Penelope Trunk, Chris Brogan, Laura Ries, David Kirkpatrick,
and Steve Rubel.
-- More than 70 research reports, three personal case studies and
examples
to offer a broader perspective on the topic.

-- Tested advice on how to create an online and offline presence for
career
protection and self-promotion.

Today's business world is filled with economic uncertainty, no job security
and relentless competition. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the
US shed 3.6 million jobs since the recession began, which is the most since
1945. Economists state that another 2.5 million will be lost in 2009 (1.8 were
lost by March 2009). Me 2.0 is the handbook for surviving and thriving in the
digital age, and the recession.

SOURCE Dan Schawbel

Dennelle Catlett, +1-212-583-2744, catlettd@plannedtvarts.com