Using Social Media for Your Job Search

Social Media is part of our everyday lives. In today’s world, most people connect via social media using Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Every successful brand name company uses social media to engage their audience to help “grow” their business, so how can you use social media to help “grow” your job search?

The quickest way to gain traction in your job search is to network with others via social media. Let them know you are looking and what position you are interested in getting hired for. They may not be able to help you directly, but they may know someone who can or hear of something in the future that aligns well with your skill set.

Here are some quick tips from Alexis Grant from USANews.com:

• Post a quick status update on Facebook. “I have recently updated my #resume. I am looking for a position as an XYZ job description. Check it out at http://bit.lt/(your resume or LinkedIn Profile)

o Before posting to Facebook set your security to Friends Only. You may not want your employer to know you are looking.

• Customize your LinkedIn profile address.
• If the company you are applying to has an HR manager, learn more about them via Twitter and LinkedIn before submitting your resume. Modify your introductory email to their peak interest.
• Hyperlink your LinkedIn profile on your resume, as well as your email and cover letter signatures. PDF’s can contain hyperlinks!
• Retweet from people who you may not be connected with currently on Twitter, such as the HR manager. They may be more willing to follow you when they see you are re-tweeting their tweets.
• LinkedIn and Twitter are ideal for joining “groups” in your job field. Start by introducing yourself and mentioning you are looking for a position.

Since social media is part of everyday life in almost every way, it just makes sense to use Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to help in your job search.

How can you apply these tips in the next two minutes to make your job search more
successful?

Let’s discuss.