Networking has always been an important tool in career development – they say it’s all about “who you know,” right? It seems to ring truer than ever in our social media-crazed society, as evidenced in a recent survey of 10 Fortune 500 recruiters who all ranked networking at the top of their recommended job search strategies.

In the same survey, 8 of the 10 recruiters listed online networks in their top 2 resources for finding candidates. Considering those statistics, you cannot deny the importance of creating an online presence for yourself. Recruiters are looking there.

Here are some suggestions for enhancing your visibility online:

• Get on the Top 2: LinkedIn and Facebook. These social networking sites are by far the most popular and comprehensive in terms of exposure. But, be sure to keep your name out there by interacting with others!
• Don’t overlook Twitter. You’d be surprised how many employers are finding people to hire on Twitter. If you need help getting started, check out this great blog on Applicant.com, “50 Ways to Use Twitter as a Job Search Tool.”
• Consider niche social websites with networking potential. Interacting in social networks specific to your industry seems like an obvious option, but many people overlook this opportunity. If you’re unsure of where else you need to be online, start on Mashable.com where they’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 20+ online networking opportunities for job seekers.

Remember, social network profiles are your first impression; do them right. Create an image of yourself so that recruiters and hiring managers will want to meet you in person.  Online, image IS everything.