Social media is the intersection of human interaction and technology. Human beings love to connect with each other. With the emergence of social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn this process is now more than ever a part of how we communicate as a society.
In 2013, 94 percent of employers asked by Jobvite.com indicated that they were using social media for their recruiting. True social media networking should include a range of interconnecting network options with a broad reach. LinkedIn is described by Job Hunt as the number one social network for job searching, and if you only have time for only one, LinkedIn may be your best option. However, if you utilize multiple networks, you can create a powerful media tool that enhances your information and exposure.
[Tweet “The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work.-Robert Kiyosaki”]
Create a Professional Presence – A Google search of your name should show a professional profile with references, not last year’s pictures of you at the Sturgis Biker Rally.
Create Key Words for Your Profile – Key words are something a recruiter might type into a search engine to find a person like you. Browse through job listings and look for words to include in your own profile that are specific for a position or career in which you are interested.
Find a Career Path in LinkedIn – Not sure what you want to do? Look through profiles of others to find jobs or careers that interest you.
Create a Network – Having a large network with connections to many others through their networks creates more opportunities for you.
Join Up – Joining online communities such as alumni groups or nonprofit organizations gives you access to exclusive job listings and people who may have the same interests as you do.
Tweet – Twitter is a great research tool to meet industry experts and potential employers. Even if you listen more than you Tweet, you will get enormous value out of the information you gather.
Blog – Blogging is a great way to demonstrate your passion and knowledge to a potential employer. Even if you do not want to open your own blog, you can comment on the blogs of those that you admire. You might just catch the eye of someone who is hiring.
Share Your Information – Supporting others by sharing your information through articles and blog posts is a great form of networking; it is a helpful gesture that is likely to be returned.
Keep Everyone Up to Date – Status updates are another smart form of networking by letting people know what current events you are attending, your latest good book find, or career news.
Ace an Interview – Before an interview, read the LinkedIn profiles, Twitter feeds, and blog posts of the people in the organization with whom you are interviewing. The more you prepare, the more confident you will be in the interview, and the greater impression you will make!
Through the use of social media, employers can see how well you communicate in a written format, your work history and education, your industry knowledge, and even how you spend your free time. As important as social media is, online methods should supplement, not replace, in-person job searching techniques.