York University computer science and engineering professor Andrew Eckford uses blogs, Twitter and YouTube to give his students a better understanding of content covered in class and to make him more approachable when they’re struggling with course material.

The biggest obstacle that prevented me from walking into my so-called dream life was that I didn’t really know what I wanted to do or what I had to offer. Not only was my profile confusing, but also it was unimpressive to employers.

LinkedIn allows you to create and maintain a professional network. The real power is in your ability to sustain a good relationship with your network. So, when you’re in the midst of that job hunt, you can reach out to that network and let them know you need their help.

Like any industry, you have to start somewhere. The good news is that with so many companies looking to expand their online experience to social networks, there is plenty of experience to be had. And some companies will even pay for it.

Lauren chats with freelance social media strategist Sophie Bifield about the best and worst parts of freelancing in a new industry like social media.

I will continue to be involved in groups outside my self-identified box because I find them interesting. I enjoy my status as a liminal figure; I am doing what I want to do and that is the most important thing.

Although social media can give you a great opportunity to show potential employers more than what is on your resumé, it can also work against you if you don’t control your online presence. Here are a few things you can do to control your digital footprint and prevent it from losing you that interview.

Entrepreneurs put more than money on the line when choosing self-employment, but knowing they’re not alone can help make the most of their company’s potential. Connecting the masses at Sprouter is Sarah Prevette, a young web entrepreneur committed to revolutionizing how entrepreneurs use social media.

Take time each day to note and celebrate your progress toward employment. Doing so creates a loop of positive feedback – you feel a sense of achievement, which boosts your confidence, which makes you likely to make more progress tomorrow.

After months of following every piece of job-hunting advice I could find, I started to feel as though I was just sending my resumé into a vortex of nothingness and as a result I grew frustrated, hopeless and depressed.