Technology and (most especially) social media have simplified our lives in too many ways to count. And, finding a job is definitely not the same daunting task as it was even just 15 years ago. There are a variety of ways technology has put things at our fingertips when it comes to the job search: websites showcasing available employment opportunities; websites that help with resume writing; websites that offer job interview tips and, of course, social media sites that connect you to the whole world of the job hunt and open up an unprecedented wealth of opportunity!
Here are a few tips for you to consider when using social media in the search for your dream job:
1. Ensure You’re Up-to-Date and In the Know – Knowledge, as they say, is power. Make sure that you’re up to date with all of your industry’s news, trends, info and goings-on. Social media make it very easy for you to stay current. Check out industry-related people and news via Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and LinkedIn. Monitor and join discussions and groups and stay a part of the action.
2. Get Connected (and Recommended) on LinkedIn – Of all the social media platforms, you’re probably aware that LinkedIn is the most professionally relevant. Unlike its social media peers, LinkedIn is all about connecting & keeping up with other professionals and businesses. And, LinkedIn takes it one step further – it has its own “Jobs” tab and built-in job search functionality. It’s like one-stop shopping for the job hunter!
Make the most of what LinkedIn has to offer by ensuring that your LinkedIn profile is at 100% completeness. Think of your LinkedIn profile as your online resume and fill it in with as much detail as possible pertaining to your employment history, educational background, experience and skills. Ensure that you request plenty of recommendations from past employers, co-workers and educators. Use an abundance of keywords to better your chances of being found in a search for suitable candidates for employment. LinkedIn really is unparalleled when it comes to looking for a good job in your industry – take advantage of what it offers and you’ll be employed in no time!
3. Mind Your Manners and Keep it Professional – Most people use Facebook and Twitter for personal use and entertainment – and that’s fine. But, when you’re on the job hunt you want to mind what’s publicly viewable because anything in the public domain that your friends can see, your future employer will be able to see as well. So, while you’re actively looking for a job, watch what you tweet and what you post on Facebook. Check out your Facebook privacy settings and use them wisely. If you blog – watch what you blog about and showcase your smarts rather than posting a scathing, sarcastic piece about something that really ticked you off last week. And, that brings me to my next point…
4. Blog, blog and blog some more – If you haven’t already, start a blog and write on a weekly basis about something relevant to your industry. As mentioned above, this is a great way to showcase your intelligence and industry know-how. Make sure that all of your posts are grammatically correct and full of valuable information that positions you as the person in the know! There are plenty of blogging sites out there: Wordpress, Tumblr and BlogSpot, just to name a few. Take advantage and start writing now!
5. Arm Yourself with Info – Before you head off to a job interview or even prior to submitting an application, do your homework and arm yourself with plenty of background information on the company you’re applying to as well as the person with whom you will be interviewing. You can search the company and its employees (especially the interviewer) on Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn and if the business has a blog, read as many posts as you can to familiarize yourself with what they’re all about, their mission, etc.
So much information, so little time!! That’s the value of social media. They literally put the professional world at your fingertips and make it so easy for you to network to find that position you’ve dreamed of since graduation!
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