Using social media on your job search
Social Media is a massive part of the modern world. If you don’t believe me? Try to Imagine this, an estimated 7.3 billion people live on the planet and according to recent studies, about 2.3 billion of those are actively using social media.
That’s an estimated 31.5% of the world’s population tweeting, posting, sharing, tagging and blogging online.
It’s no surprise that companies have got onto the band wagon with social media and it’s the newest thing to shape the whole recruitment industry.
So how can you take advantage of this fantastic tool? Here are ways to use social media to increase your job search and some of the best practices to avoid giving a bad impression.
This is traditionally known as the business networking platform, LinkedIn allows you to create a profile to showcase all of your previous work experiences to your connections.
Treat your profile like a CV
To start this, you need to use the top summary much like the starting paragraph of your CV and try to sum up your experience and where you are in your current career.
If you’re willingly looking for work, make your connections mindful by including it here.
Think about companies you would like to work for and follow them on their company pages
If the company advertises roles on this platform, you’ll see them here and can apply with your LinkedIn profile rather than your CV.
Make “connections”
Search and add people you have come across in your career, at University, even down the local pub! These people may have links in your industry. If you want to reach out to them, send them a message to let them know you’re looking for work
If your Good at something, talk about it
Are you a sales expert? Talk about it on LinkedIn. Maybe you can offer a different direction on hiring a building contractor or help with planning for the upcoming deadlines. You can offer skilful tips and guidance on your area. If you begin to show your skills, employers may engage with you directly as well as read your content.
Keep it professional
There’s always the discussion on what should and shouldn’t be posted on LinkedIn. Remember, your connections can see what you are liking and what your comments are. So be cautious when engaging in controversial subjects.
You might not think of Facebook when finding a job, but it could be where you find your next job opportunity, especially with tools such as Facebook Jobs.
Be aware of what you’re posting & sharing
Your privacy settings will determine what information is publicly available. Make sure you double check this so there aren’t any surprises to your employers.
Follow those companies
Keep up to date with the company’s latest news, it may come in handy when you attend a future interview. Are they openly advertising for any roles?
Follow & follow & follow!
Keep up to date with their activities; it may give you an insight into their working environment such as socials, internal culture and more.
Follow recruitment agencies, if you’re working with one, chances are they post jobs on their own Twitter channel.
Engage with businesses
If you wish to go straight to the business, send them a message asking if there are any available opportunities or where you may be able to send your CV over to them. If they’re active on social media, they potentially have someone on the other side ready to answer the questions.
Research
With the possible prospects for an interview, social media can offer you an insight into the company’s inner culture, their recent events and achievements! You can also get a good feel of the company by their ‘voice’ and how they interact with their own followers.
Depending on the industry that you’re in, there are other platforms that could provide a good place to engage with employers including Instagram, Pinterest and even snapchat!
Always be careful about how you represent yourself online particularly if you are looking for work.
Most importantly, if you come across a job that you like the look of make sure to follow it up with a phone call. The person operating social media may not know who to speak to or where to send your CV so make sure your interest goes to the right division.
As there is so much competition out there, reaching out via LinkedIn or Twitter or even Facebook can give you an edge and could get you noticed by the employer quicker.
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