Get Social Media to Work for You!

Social media has changed the face of the internet. We’ve gone from making phone calls to checking emails to checking status updates.  Traditional methods of conducting a job search are, for the most part, a distant memory of how the world used to work. Today’s job seekers must be more proactive and reach employers at each touch point to stand out amongst the competition.

While using job banks, recruiters and corporate websites should still be a part of your job search, it should not be your only focus. Here are some tips on how to use social media to conduct your job search and make it work for you.

Search People, Not Jobs: Where are all of the jobs you ask? Well, the majority of openings aren’t listed online. Today’s hiring managers go straight to employee referrals before even bothering to post openings online. Use your current contacts or go out and network to meet the right people; or at least the people who can put you in touch with the right people.

Market Yourself: Job searches are tedious. Instead of constantly sending out your resume, try bringing the jobs to you. How do you do this? Start producing content, as opposed to only consuming it. Launch a blog that focuses on you, your interests, and goals.

Twitter: Twitter has become a platform in which you can connect directly with recruiters and employees at companies you want to work for. You can conduct searches, follow recruiters on your account and use “@”, “#” and DMs to communicate with them.

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is now the main place recruiters are sourcing candidates for many reasons. Not only is it free, but the top professionals are on LinkedIn. Caution: To fully utilize LinkedIn, your profile must be 100% complete. If you fail to complete your profile, it’s harder for recruiters to find you.

And for the more tech-forward candidate…

Video Resume: Heard of YouTube? I thought you have. Did you know that there are 1,700 “video resumes” on the site? While many of them are good, others are still working out the kinks on how to effectively present themselves. Very few people have actually made a video resume, so this is a great way to differentiate yourself in the market. 

Live from New York! - Laura DeAngelis