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Dear J.T. & Dale: Let’s say I’m an unemployed older professional who has only basic Internet skills. I’m told I MUST network to find a new job and MUST include social media. But the list goes on and on – Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, blogging, etc. Argh. Are they all essential? Could I, for example, just pick two? – Cynthia

J.T.: That’s a great idea, Cynthia – pick two of the social media and do them well. It’s better to maximize the potential of a couple of resources than spread yourself too thin.

DALE: One of the two should be LinkedIn, so let’s call it LinkedIn plus one other.

J.T.: Yes, you must include LinkedIn – not only is it relatively easy to set up and use, it’s the most popular among business professionals. You’ll create a profile, and make sure you do all that it takes to reach 100 percent completeness – if you don’t, you won’t show up in recruiters’ searches for candidates with your skill set. Next, start exploring groups on LinkedIn that are related to your field.

You’ll find that these are very similar to association and chamber meetings. Your goals should be to establish connections and to try to set up informational interviews with people working at companies you admire. Next, I would suggest that you find one or two industry-related blogs and start reading them, just like you would the daily newspaper.

Eventually, you should start to contribute comments. Not just any comments; you should add value to the blogger’s remarks and showcase your professional knowledge and savvy. This will establish your credibility and help get your online brand recognized.

DALE: I’m sure, Cynthia, that the notion of having an “online brand” boggles your imagination, but that’s the world we live in. Someone interested in hiring you is likely to do a Google search on you, and those blog comments offer an employer a glimpse into your education, professional style and passions.

Dear J.T. & Dale: One common question I’ve been asked during interviews is whether the potential employer can contact my current employer. I never know how to answer this. One concern is that if I give permission, my current employer could find out I’m looking for a new job. At best, this would make for an awkward work situation, especially if I don’t get or accept the new position. At worst, I imagine it could get me fired. However, if I don’t give permission, I’m concerned that I take myself out of further consideration because the employer might think I have something to hide. What’s the correct way to handle this? – Eric
DALE: Unless you are in some unusual situation, such as a company that is closing or a facility that’s relocating to another city, you do have something to hide – and it is that you’re looking for another job. Any decent prospective employer would take this into consideration. So, the answer is no, they can’t contact your current employer. However, you needn’t put it in such stark terms. You would mention that you currently have a great relationship and wouldn’t want to do anything to risk that, and then refer the potential employer to references from prior companies, or perhaps a current co-worker who knows that you’re looking.

J.T.: I like the idea of emphasizing your current great relationship, but I’d use it to say “yes” rather than “no.” Here’s the right response: “Yes. You can contact my employer. However, I would ask that you do not do so until you have extended me an offer and I have accepted it pending a good recommendation. I worked hard to develop my relationship with my current company. The only reason I’m looking for a new job is that they do not have the growth opportunity I desire.”

DALE: Very impressive. That is the right answer. It offers you protection from immediate contact while making you look even more desirable to the new company.