While the general idea of social networking is to keep up with friends and family and make new connections with people who have common interests, in recent days the phenomenon has become instrumental in the job search. Candidates can enter into career discussions, receive announcements via Facebook or Twitter, and have alerts texted to their mobile phones. Here’s how to make the most of social networking in the job search.
Use Twitter to Find Jobs
Recent studies have shown that Twitter has become such as powerful ally in the career search that it now rivals the big employment search engines including CareerBuilder and Monster. While the site is not necessarily an employment board, thousands of listings are posted per day. To search across these opportunities and apply, use TwitterJobSearch.
Candidates can also register on Twitter with a professional profile geared toward the career search. In the bio, list goals, skills, and accomplishments. Include a professional-looking photo, and make sure updates are not protected so they are visible to interested employers. Enter a link to an online resume or a Linkedin profile.
Tweet daily about the search, stating desired position, location, and/or target company. Use hash tags (#) to identify keywords that are picked up in searches (e.g., #jobs). Search people and follow recruiters and companies of interest.
Create a Profile on Linkedin
Linkedin is a business social networking website where employers and job seekers connect. Candidates should add links to an online resume, website, or portfolio that highlights skills. Expand the network and make connections with colleagues, friends, and current and former coworkers. Display work samples and integrate blogging into the profile. Search and apply for open positions. Last but not least, focus on making and receiving recommendations.
Add Job Search Apps on Facebook and MySpace
Facebook and MySpace are two of the most popular social sites on the web. Candidates can add handy search apps that allow users to post and share a resume, view new openings, and expand their professional network. If the person has an existing resume in HTML format, simply add an HTML app, insert code, and display it on a professional-looking public Facebook or MySpace profile.
Post an Online Resume
Is the paper resume becoming obsolete? Some say yes. Using VisualCV, job seekers can create a free interactive web resume. Candidates can go far beyond the traditional resume in terms of adding links to resources, work samples, audio, video, and pictures. They can also add a variety of modules to highlight skills, capabilities, and work history. When the resume is complete, the person can share it among his or her social networks.
In the past, posting a resume on CareerBuilder, Monster, or Dice was sufficient in seeking employment. But with today’s explosive growth in social media, the importance of expanding the job search to social networking websites such as Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook, and MySpace is becoming ever clearer.
Daniel Gansle - Daniel J. Gansle is the author of 2012: Day of Reckoning, graduate of Anthropological Studies and expert in ancient Mayan culture.
