Essentials for Using Social Media in Your Job Search

Most people understand the importance of networking, and most understand that LinkedIn is the premier social media site for professional networking purposes, and have an account set up, with a few connections.  But here’s where many people stop; they don’t know how to fully utilize LinkedIn as part of an ongoing job search and career management strategy.  And when I mention using Facebook and Twitter as job search tools, I usually get blank stares.  So here are some tips for taking full advantage of these powerful networking tools in your job search.  And if you’ve been hesitant to dive into social media, now’s the time!

LinkedIn:

·         Create a complete profile – write a headline/tagline that describes your expertise areas or career ambitions, display a professional photo, develop a comprehensive summary that indicates type of position you’re seeking and emphasizes your qualifications with relevant key words

·         Request recommendations – your connections make recommendations about your work, skills, attitude, what sets you apart – these can influence potential employers

·         Join groups, and be active – include groups related to your industry and field, special interest groups (i.e. women’s groups), RIT Alumni group and other alma maters

·         Demonstrate your expertise by contributing on Answers section, (under More tab)

·         Find RIT alumni at your targeted companies – connect for more information on the company, and tips for getting hired there, possible recommendations to hiring managers

·         Research companies – review the new hires section

·         Find and connect with recruiters for your industry – using Advanced People tab and the word “recruiter” for your industry

·         Use your contacts to connect with key people at your targeted companies – request introductions, try to connect with hiring managers

·         Update your status frequently, to stay in people’s minds

·         Apply to posted jobs using Jobs tab – many companies ONLY use LinkedIn to post jobs

Facebook:

·         Include your resume, link to your LinkedIn profile, and other materials that demonstrate your expertise (blogs, articles) on your profile

·         Keep your professional groups separate from your personal groups with privacy settings and list function; include business contacts as well as family and friends

·         Become a fan of your targeted companies – check regularly for upcoming events, changes in the company, other pertinent information you can use

·         Use the Marketplace to search job opportunities

·         Use Classmate search and Coworker search for networking – RIT, other schools (including high school), and former companies – see where your friends are working now

·         Add Branch Out application for career networking – www.branchout.com

Twitter:

·         Create a strong, professional profile that highlights your qualifications and career goals

·         Add a link to your online resume

·         Follow experts for your industry and field – find them by searching for a relevant key word and clicking on “People” in the left hand module

·         Follow targeted companies, and people who work there

·         Share your expertise through Tweets, including articles and relevant news stories you find

·         Use job search hashtags such as #hiring, #recruiting, #joblistings, #nowhiring; companies use these to advertise positions

·         Apply to jobs through @Microjobs, and http://TweetMyJobs

·         Make connections with key people in your industry

·         Use Twitter Chats to make connections and be involved in discussions about specific topics

Discussion:  How do you use LinkedIn in your job search?  What tips and suggestions can you share with the group?  Have you used Facebook and Twitter as part of your search?