Social media is having a growing impact on the job search. Employers & recruiters can not only use it to engage with potential candidates but also as a way to screen them too e.g. looking at the content on the individuals’ social media accounts. Job seekers can use it to connect with leading professionals, research for interviews, other job seekers and find potential opportunities. To help you use this tool more efficiently and effectively in the job search, below are 10 helpful tips!
Spread job search news with caution
When you’re looking for work, keeping people in your network alerted through social media that you’re looking for a particular type of job is a smart move. It’s not so smart however if you’re employed — unless you don’t care whether the boss finds out that you’re looking to leave and helps you out the door.
Identity theft and fraud have entered the mix in recent years as potential issues. They can create fake profiles offering to help you for a fee but once they get the money and/or you bank details they do nothing but take your money or your identity for other criminal purposes. Don’t just give out your details to the first person who offers to help especially for a price. Be smart, think and research!
Establish yourself as an expert
One way to make yourself stand out to potential employers/recruiters is to use your social media to be seen as someone “in the know” about what’s happening in your industry or career field. For example, use your status updates on Twitter to tweet about industry topics, new developments, advice, and anything of interest to people in your line of work.
Find role models and mirror them
Use LinkedIn to identify role model networkers who have the kind of job you want. See which groups they belong to, and join those groups. On the other side of the coin, look at who has viewed your profile and, if appropriate, add viewers to your network.
Thank-you notes to new connections
Form the habit of sending a quick personal note to every person who accepts your invitation to connect on LinkedIn. A bit of kindness and respect will be seen in good stead by your connections which will help when need help, support or favours from your connections for introductions, referrals, and news of job opportunities.
Sleuth for useful company research
Many employers, especially large employers, have a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Although their Facebook profile probably is on private status, check it out. Cruise additional social sites for other bits of helpful information about a company you hope to join which can be used to help answer potential interview questions.
Regular checks on your social sites
Once you’re connected you have to stay on your toes. Don’t let your Twitter feed, LinkedIn updates, and Facebook Wall wither and go stale with inattention. Keep your eyes open for any mention of job openings at companies you like, as well as advice/tips on how to apply for them.
Tweet for quality, not quantity
Regular tweets about interesting news, articles, personnel changes, and tools for your industry raise the balance in your professional standing bank. But sending out too much too often draws down that balance.
By another measure, the vast majority of what you share on Twitter needs to be helpful, relevant information, either retweeting followers or connecting with others. You then have acceptance to ask for help whenever you need it.
Use common sense to avoid rejection
You’ve read plenty of warnings about reputation-management issues, such as the bad judgment of posting photos that show you drinking lots of alcoholic drinks. Belief issues such as religion, politics or personal ideals can be just as damaging to your employment prospects.
While having an online presence is important to your job search, do make sure that anything you post on a social networking site isn’t going to alienate a potential employer or paint you in a bad light that no one will help you.
Matching social media to your type of job
Opinions differ about which social media sites pay off best for which type of job hunter. The following are general impressions about these social media platforms, not fact!
- LinkedIn has been labelled the “suit-and-tie network” that’s useful for finding professional jobs in traditional industries.
- Facebook is rewarding for jobs in health care, manufacturing and other blue-collar jobs, and seasonal work in delivery services and retailing.
- Pinterest is a handy hub for spotting jobs in the design and interior decorating fields.
- Google+ appears to be tilted toward tech jobs.
You have to find the right social media platform that is right for your purposes. Don’t just jump from one to the next. It’s ok to have a presence on more than more platform but don’t spread yourself too thin. It can be difficult to keep tabs on multiple profiles. Make it easier for yourself and your audience!
Don’t assume it’s all you need
Even though social networking is the latest tool to be used by all, it doesn’t mean that it’s all you need. As it a tool that is still developing and growing, some companies either do not yet use this approach yet or prefer to stick to what they know that works.
Traditional networking is still very important aspect in the job search. Meeting face to face or speaking over the phone are still approaches that are not only still valid but are still very effective. If you have opportunities to network in person then be sure to make them. A personal approach can help you make a better first impression.