As job seekers continue to utilize traditional strategies in an attempt to land the job they want, it’s important to understand the advantageous role social media can play in the process. Job seekers can leverage these social platforms by taking the leap from personal usage to professional usage.
I came across a question the other day that asked: Which social network was most effective when used for the job search? While I strongly believe that having an optimized profile on LinkedIn is vital to bettering your chances of finding a job, I thought about how other social networks such as Facebook and Twitter can also help.
Your Facebook and Twitter profiles are occasionally evaluated by employers to see how their candidates present themselves. Companies want to make sure their reputation isn’t tarnished and therefore, they take precautionary measures to ensure that you’re portraying yourself professionally. Although it may seem that there’s risk in having a personal profile on these social networks, social mediums such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and even blogging can have great job search benefits.
Social media strategies for the job search
Professionals can leverage social media as a means to engage with influential people. Here are some great tactics you can implement:
Create a personal video on YouTube: A personal video about who you are and what you’re looking to achieve in a position can certainly complement a well-written resume. Dress nice, speak clear and be confident. Address an industry issue and tell employers how you would rectify it. Upload the video to YouTube and include the link on your online profiles as well as e-mail signatures.
Create an industry-specific Twitter list: Creating a Twitter list is not only beneficial for getting updates from top experts in your industry. Adding a Twitter user to a list will send an e-mail to that user that you have in fact added them. This will give you a better opportunity to connect with experts in an attempt to network and share information. Learn and build a relationship with experts by creating a Twitter list and adding them to it.
Use Twitter searches to your advantage: Twitter is a good social platform to use for targeting. Take advantage of it. Use a Twitter search to find users related to the job search, and then follow them. There exist a plethora of Twitter accounts created to share information about job openings. For example, a general search for a job listing in technology could be executed by using the hashtag ‘#techjobs’ on Twitter. Leverage the power of Twitter’s search to find job openings and recruiters. After applying for the job, follow the company’s Twitter account to let them know you’re active and persistent.
Join groups on Facebook: LinkedIn is a great service because it encourages professionals to join and participate in industry-related groups. Although people usually use Facebook for personal purposes, others use the platform to network with other users. Complete a search for an industry you’re looking to find a job in. Then join an active group and begin contributing to the group’s discussions. Facebook allows professionals to become more personal with each other.
Start blogging: Nothing screams out that you know what you’re talking about then having your own blog about the industry. Showing employers your blog about the industry will show them that you’re passionate about learning and adamant about utilizing your knowledge to help the company grow. Create a blog with Wordpress and start writing about what you know. Employers will be blown away!
What are you waiting for? Make sure your resume is optimized for success. Then use the strategies above to land the job you want today!To learn more about our resume writing services, please follow the GetInterviews company page on LinkedIn.