Social Media in the job hunting process
Since most people use social media like LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter, it’s only natural that individuals have started using these websites to find jobs. Social media is important to your job search because the number of employers and recruiters who are using social media to screen candidates is rapidly increasing. The following tips will help you use social media for job seeking purposes.
Set up a LinkedIn account
If you are looking for a social media site to help increase your job opportunities, then you should join LinkedIn and set up a LinkedIn account. It is a professional network that offers a huge data base of other people's career paths from which you can explore companies, job titles, or professions that might suit you. Recruiters use LinkedIn as the main place for sourcing candidates mostly because it’s free and some of the top professionals are on it. Your LinkedIn profile will optimise your visibility on search engines and will likely be the highest-ranked item on the search results page. Unlike other social media sites, the Linked In is targeted more towards networking rather than friendship. On your profile you can enter your work experience, skills and expertise. You may also upload your CV and get recommendations from people you have worked with. Most companies will have a presence on this site; they may also advertise vacancies here too. Try using the job search section to find job listings.
Build Your Network
Try to build your network on the LinkedIn site. Once you have completed your profile, join groups and interact with potential employers and people in the industry you want to work in. Connect with people you know, former colleagues, group members and build your network. Any one of these connections could provide the reference for your next job or they could be the one searching for their company’s newest employee. The more connections you have, the more opportunities you have to get closer to recruiting managers in companies of potential interest. For the best results, you need to get involved. You should request contacts that could be useful in your job search.
Develop a professional presence
When it comes to job-seeking, just remember to make sure your social media presence shows you at your most professional. Google yourself and check the results. If you choose to post a photograph, then select a professional one .Your profile is going to be the first thing a potential employer will see. It is better to use no picture at all than one that could potentially ruin your chances. Add only professional details to your social media profiles. Remember not to attempt humor in your LinkedIn profile; it hardly ever translates well and is unprofessional. It is best to stay on the safe side.
Set up an alternative Twitter and Facebook
After you have set up a professional LinkedIn profile, you may set up other profiles on Facebook and Twitter exclusively for job-hunting purposes. Keep in mind that much of your Facebook profile is public by default, and you probably don’t want a potential employer browsing your personal updates. Twitter is an incredible tool to research and connect with recruiters, industry experts, and potential employers. Even if you primarily "listen" more than tweet, you will likely value the information you discover. Also, more companies are tweeting their job postings. You may add your Twitter handle to your LinkedIn profile. Visitors to your Linked In profile can now follow you on Twitter directly from within your profile box! LinkedIn and Twitter are tightly integrated. You can share your tweets as LinkedIn status updates, and you can share LinkedIn status updates as tweets!
Join smaller social media
Once you have got your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and perhaps even a YouTube channel you should not ignore other smaller platforms, such as blogs. By creating your own blog and interacting with people in your field via blogging, you will increase your chances of making potential employment connections.
Update yourSocial media profile
Don't forget to keep your social media profile up to date (especially the Linked In profile). Try to update your profile once every three months .Your Social Media profile should be a work in progress. You never know who is looking at your profile and reading over your qualifications. If you get a promotion, acquire a new skill, or receive an award, don't forget to update your LinkedIn profile.
