Using Social Media to find a Job

Posted: 10/1/09

By: Stefanie

This week I participated in a speed networking event hosted by Northeastern University (think speed dating but learning about the job search vs. searching for a companion). Students were invited to attend this Job Crash Course Seminar where they spent twenty minutes at different tables and spoke with professionals about various topics. When the whistle blew, it was time to switch tables. I worked at the "Social Media" table and was surrounded by other tables discussing "Salary Negotiations", "Networking" and "Resume Review".

As students approached and reviewed the sign centered on the table, the majority of them had a look of curiosity on their faces. I asked them what first came to their minds when they thought of social media. A lot of them talked about Facebook and the importance of keeping their pages private when starting a job.

While we talked about the significance of keeping photos and content appropriate for the online world, we also discussed the positive implications of social media. Instead of looking at the negatives of having a Facebook page that your employer might check out before the hiring process, I encouraged them to look at how they could create profiles that highlighted their strengths and expanded their networking possibilities. LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook have wonderful advantages, including creating connections with potential employers, allowing candidates to research companies and creating a snowball effect for networking.

These tools aren't only being used by candidates to seek jobs but employers are examining them to connect with potential employees as well. "Call or Email or Use Social Media" is a great article written by a contributing blogger of ere.net, an online recruiting community, Irina Shamaeva. This article comes from the employers perspective as she discusses using social media to connect with job applicants.

Another great article in Boston.com, "Tweeting to take that next job," offers tips on staying connected to the industry you are interested in when looking for a job. The author, Julia Tanen, President of TanenPR gives great advice, including using Twitter as a way to keep up with the industry. Find out what people are talking about so that when you go in for an interview, you have up-to-date and relevant information to add to the conversation. This makes you sound knowledgeable and capable for the job. It also allows you to connect with a community of people who are working in the field you're interested in.

Think of social media as a constant way to market yourself and put your best foot forward. Be thoughtful about the profiles you create, contribute to community tweets and make an impression that will help you take your job search or career to the next level.

 

Contact us for more tips on using social media to your advantage!