The traditional resume and cover letter may no longer cut it when it comes to landing your dream job. And in a world driven by technology, it’s become more necessary for job seekers to tap into the social networking realm in order to keep up with the competition.

“We hear so much about 'Social Media',” said John Crant, author and career coach. “It's been all the buzz for sometime now, yet job seekers are still very unaware of how they could, or should use it to their advantage during the hunt for their next position.”

After speaking with the experts, we came up with a list of social-media tips and tricks for your next job hunt.

No 1: First and Foremost, Google yourself

Sherrie Madia, director of communications at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and author of “The Social Media Survival Guide”, recommended searching your name in Google before setting out on the job search.

“Depending on what you find, you can start figuring out where you need to begin,” Madia said. “You can locate negative comments you have left on Facebook, blog posts, etc.”

No. 2: Reshape and Revise Your Online Profile

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“You have to constantly be in job-search mode, utilizing every outlet accessible to you,” Madia added. “It’s not a one-and-done kind of deal.”

The experts agree setting up a profile on LinkedIn, a popular professional site used for business networking and potential job opportunities, is a key tool in Internet job hunting.

Crant recommended getting your LinkedIn profile up-to-speed, making it more than a resume.

“Think of it as a 3-dimensional sales brochure 'all about you' that has one singular mission: to convince the reader, maybe even the hiring manager, you are the best individual for their team,” Crant said.

However, it’s no easy task and involves quite a bit of work. Crant advised job seekers to avoid answering the basic sign-up questions, and think outside the box.

“Utilize your space to it's fullest to tell your story with a narrative,” Crant said. “Include things like books in your professional specialty that you are reading, presentations or even videos of you presenting professionally and join groups related to your niche.”

No. 3: Research Your Industry

After you’ve revamped your social media profiles, it’s time to use the databases to your advantage. Madia advised job seekers to research blogs in their industry, look for companies on Twitter and Facebook, and find appropriate groups and blogs to link to. Create an opportunity to get recognized.

“Position yourself and your expertise,” Madia said. “Create real relationships with companies and hiring managers through these sites and get a real sense of the community in which you are pursuing.”

No 4: Share Your Voice

With unlimited access to the blogosphere, job seekers are able to constantly search and learn about their specific niche or industry. Madia recommended commenting on blogs, and proving you have an opinion related to your field.

“Offer your expertise so people see you,” Madia said. “It’s reverse engineering when it comes to the job search. We are seeding the online space where we know employers are looking.”

Meanwhile, anyone can start a free blog on their own and begin accumulating opinions and ideas over the Internet. Crant said write three articles on your views of a specific professional niche, post them to a blog and link it to your professional profile.

“Now managers can 'hear' and see your thought process,” he said.

No. 5: Network Your Way to the Top

Web sites like LinkedIn are great opportunities to network. Once you make a personal connection, you are essentially granted access to that person’s contacts and further.

Opinions vary, but Crant said seize this opportunity to connect to anyone in your industry. Writing a simple note like, ‘Hello, I am expanding my network and would like to connect with other professionals in our niche.’

“Just go for it,” Crant said. “Use these tools to find and identify potential hiring managers and even before applying to the job, connect to them.”