The days of potential employers, employees, investors and/or clients simply contacting three references you provide are over. Should they do some due diligence and are connected to someone within your LinkedIn network and ask about you, what would that shared connection say?

Many of you have the skills to get to where you want to be. You just need to be found. One way to get yourself out there is to use LinkedIn.com -- this job-focused social network has been flourishing and only growing in popularity, especially in the last five years. Here are 5 recently added LinkedIn features you can take advantage of as a Generation Y job seeker.

There is no perfect way to find a job, and you cannot predict what will get you your next job. The job search can get frustrating, especially, if you see your peers getting ahead. You may begin to wonder what is wrong with you. Don't worry. Try these useful tips for gaining the "competitive advantage."