Get a better paying job

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Although last week's job numbers were disappointing, a new survey by Manpower indicates the job market will remain steady and cautious. About 27 percent of companies will increase their workforce, while 9 percent plan on cutting their payrolls.

Here are some ways that people can get that extra edge if they plan on looking for a better paying job.

It's more about who you know than what you know. That's why more and more people are turning to professional networking sites like LinkedIn, to meet colleagues, expand their rolodex and get info about possible jobs. These sites also offer offline events where members can mingle and hear directly about job opportunities.

If you're a business executive, check out Execunet.com. If you're in advertising or marketing, check out adgabber.com. On these sites you'll be able to talk shop and get the real dirt behind potential future employers.

Boosting your visibility online is more and more important, and there are companies out that can help.

Check out Ziggs.com where you can post a free professional profile on the site. If a recruiter is looking for a job candidate online, your name may just pop up at the top of a Web search. You'll even be sent an e-mail alert if someone clicks and views on your page.

Sometimes, your professional profile is already online, without you even knowing it. ZoomInfo.com scours the Web, press releases and business Web sites for your professional information. If your profile is on this site, make sure all your info is correct, and supplement the information that's already there. That's because companies like Sony (Charts) and Adobe (Charts) may use these sites to pick out high quality job prospects.

If your profile isn't on the Web site, and you're in the business field, you can start one for free.

Of course, you should also search for higher paying job prospects the old-fashioned way: online. Check out theladders.com where you can search for jobs that specifically offer $100,000 annually.

If you're right out of college and/or you're looking to do some part time work, you may want to check out snagajob.com. And if you're over 50, check out seniorjobbank.org. Here you'll be able to view job offers from employers looking for older workers.