Five must-use sites for a recent grad

The Internet has morphed from a luxury to a utility in the last two decades, and it is now the premiere way to establish oneself as a desirable job candidate. It can be the best tool for college graduates entering the workforce, but only if you're using the right websites.

Leave a positive digital trail that will have HR representatives flooding your inbox by being sure not to forget to use these five websites both before and after you graduate.

1. LinkedIn: This website is not for social networking, so don't use it like Facebook. Rather, use it as a tool to get your name and skills out to prospective employers. Think of it as a constantly available online resume. Connect with past and present employers, colleagues and classmates and ask these individuals for recommendations, which will boost the credibility of your profile. Contacts may even introduce you to industry professionals with whom they're connected.

2. Twitter: Twitter can be used for social networking, but aim to tweet at least a few times a day about your desired industry and attempt to establish a knowledgeable status about what you claim to be your specialty. Be sure to list this specialization in the bio section of your profile. Follow experts, publications and accounts that specialize in news from your desired industry, and learn about job postings.

3. Associated Content: Although it caters to writers, many people in other fields create and publish news and advice articles about subjects and industries in which they specialize. Write short articles about subjects that display your expertise or knowledge on a certain subject. You can choose your own topic or fulfill writing assignments from the assignment desk. Yahoo! bought the website recently, which Associated Content says will mean more distribution and eventually high pay for its contributors' content.

4. Wordpress: Flaunt your web savvy ways by starting a blog. Yours may start out as a personal one, but if you blog just a few times a week about your expertise, it can pop up in search results. Remember, brevity is the key in blogging, so keep it to about 100 to 200 words per post and update on a consistent schedule. Link your blog from your LinkedIn, Twitter and Associated Content accounts to draw more traffic. Many companies use Wordpress as a platform for their blogs, so be sure to add this skill to your LinkedIn profile and resume.

5. Indeed.com: This aggregator pulls job postings from other websites. A search requires typing keywords, a job title or company name into the first field and a location in the (optional) second field. It can't get much simpler than that. Though Indeed aggregates other sites' data, be sure to check on other job-posting boards for opportunities you may have missed.

Of course, whatever online tool you use will require a quick and easily accessible Internet connection. Be sure that you have a reliable high speed wireless Internet connection to keep pace with news. Available virtually anywhere, satellite Internet providers can also offer reliable internet access to those who may not have access to DSL or cable. With a fast connection, you can get the most out of the real-time tools you need to make a digital mark.

Courtesy of ARAcontent