BOSTON, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- In the past few years, the competition for entry-level jobs has increased substantially, and the 1.4 million college graduates this year are about to face the toughest challenge to date. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that companies are hiring only 1.3% more graduates in 2009, which is down from 16% in 2008.

The way we manage our careers is changing and the Internet has become the new ticket to post-graduate success. In his new book,Me 2.0: Build a Powerful Brand to Achieve Career Success (Kaplan Publishing, April 7, 2009), Dan Schawbel explains how anyone can become successful by using social media tools, such as blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, in order to stand out and make a name for themselves. Me 2.0 is the first book about personal branding written for the millennial generation by a millennial, that bridges the gap between the current business environment and the progressive best practices of the future. "In a tough employment environment, it is absolutely essential to move past old rules and embrace job hunting 2.0 -- Dan Schawbel's new book will show you how," explains Sydney Finkelstein, Steven Roth Professor of Management, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

"If you want to get a job out of college or succeed in the job you're currently in, you have to be the commander of your career, which means that you're accountable for your own destiny," explains Dan Schawbel, the leading personal branding expert for Gen-Yers. Me 2.0 teaches you how to use social media tools for personal empowerment, confidence building, and professional networking that can actually result in attracting jobs directly to you, without applying! Recruiters will find you.

"Not only do you have to aggressively promote yourself, but you also have to protect your brand, by claiming your domain name and actively grooming your Google results," says Dan. A recent Careerbuilder.com survey showed that one in every five hiring managers used social networks to conduct background checks on candidates.

• A 4-step proven personal branding process for career success.
• Over 40 expert quotes from leaders, including Don Tapscott, Guy Kawasaki, Penelope Trunk, Chris Brogan, Laura Ries, David Kirkpatrick, and Steve Rubel.
• More than 70 research reports, three personal case studies and examples to offer a broader perspective on the topic.
• Tested advice on how to create an online and offline presence for career protection and self-promotion.