3 Ways to Use Social Media For a Job Search
In today’s competitive job market, it makes sense to tap into the power of social media to research companies and network — not just find job listings. Here are three ways to use social media in your job search.
During your job search, Linkedin, the online professional networking site, should become the first website you visit every day. With more than 450 million worldwide users, LinkedIn offers users a way to hone and increase their contacts. In most cases, before you get a call for a job interview, a hiring manager has already viewed your Linkedin profile. So make it count.
Once you sign up, LinkedIn will guide you through the process of creating a profile. First, the basics: Update your Linkedin profile with your most recent jobs, volunteer work, honors and achievements. Speak to your strengths, skills and experience, and add links to examples of your work. Make sure to use the headline space under your name to create a persuasive statement about yourself. Include a professional-looking headshot with your profile. If you need inspiration, look at profiles of people who work in similar fields.
Use Linked In to keep your name at the forefront. Suggest articles for others to read. Join discussion groups in your field of interest and make comments. Follow your target companies to get the latest news about them. You can also use the site to research other members’ profiles and see how they’re connected to companies and people.
- Shop for a Great Company Using Online Reviews
Often, job seekers research the companies for which they want to work and then monitor their websites for open positions. Use Glassdoor, a free employment site, to jumpstart your research on which companies have the best culture and environment. The popular recruitment website allows current and former employees of a company to review the good, bad and ugly of working there. It also lists salaries and other workplace data — all valuable information for job seekers.
- Connect With Employees at a Company You Are Interested In
We all know that a majority of jobs come from a network. Work your contacts as much as you can if you want to find a great job. Find a connection— ideally a first – but maybe a second – or even third-level connection — to that company on LinkedIn. Send a note asking for advice and guidance. Or ask to meet for coffee. People like to give advice, so let them. And after a good conversation, you’ll be the first person they think of when they hear about an opening.
As these tips illustrate, social media for a job search is not just about researching job postings. If you haven’t started using it yet, it’s time to tap into its power.
For more information and advice and to search jobs, visit the Nesco Resource website.