If you’re looking for a job there’s a good chance you already know a great deal about conducting interviews, writing your resume, and preparing a cover letter. While those methods are tried-and-true, you may not be aware of some of the latest techniques such as searching for a job using social media.
It might be surprising or even shocking but social media is about much more than just postings funny or ridiculous videos and photographs. It is becoming more commonplace for companies to use social media to help them when hiring new applicants. Additionally, 75% of human resource managers check social profiles before deciding on which candidate to hire.
Now that you understand the importance of social media in job hunting, you are likely wondering exactly how to use social media when searching for a job. Here are 5 ways social media can help you land a job.
#1. Use It To Help Spread The Word
Regardless of whether it’s Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, you should let your followers and your friends know that you’re in the market for a job. You should make it clear to them exactly what type of work you are looking for and the kind of experience that you have because they very well might know who’s hiring.
This technique should only be used when already unemployed. Using this technique when you’re working for a company could have tragic results and for that reason, if you are currently employed and looking for a job you should do it a bit more discreetly.
#2. Find And Engage With Prospective Employers On Social Media
Many companies have a presence on social media and when they do, you should join them and keep a lookout for opportunities they might post for job openings. You can keep yourself updated on their latest news and get yourself familiar so that if an opportunity arises you are very familiar with what it is they’re looking for.
It’s also a chance for you to get known by managers, particularly on LinkedIn. You should actively look for individuals who are relevant to the type of job you’re trying to get and introduce yourself.
3. You Should Network With Anyone Who Works In A Similar Field That You’re Looking To Get Hired In
Networking for a job has been around for a long time but doing so online using social media can greatly enhance your results. Try to find people who are already working in a field that you’re interested in. You might find them on Twitter or LinkedIn or even Google+ and when you do, you should connect with them.
You can build a relationship through your post and interactions with them on social media. You never know who has an opportunity that they would be willing to recommend you for. If you want some more details on how to find a job like this, Capita IT Resourcing has a good blog.
4. Keep Your Profile Clean And Employer-Friendly
It’s necessary that you’re careful about the post that you make on social media as well as pictures and videos. When you’re trying to attract an employer you shouldn’t post pictures of you at wild and crazy events. That might make you popular with your friends but it won’t make you popular with an employer.
You should try wherever possible to post a short bio of yourself and the background that you have including education and work experience.
5. Create A Persona As Being An Expert In Your Particular Field Of Interest
You should stay up-to-date with news and important updates about the companies that you’re interested in and the field of your interest. You should engage on the social networks by commenting, placing articles, and sharing. The more often you engage, the better. You should try whenever possible to be helpful because you just don’t know when a manager is looking at your post.
About the Author: Stephen Ball is the author of this guest post.
