Job search techniques have changed quite a bit over the years. Long gone are the days where the classified ads in the newspaper was where you found your next employment role. Job boards continue to be popular, but they are so over packed that it’s hard to stand out.
The key to modern job search is a mixture of the old and the new. The old method is networking. Making connections is invaluable when looking for work. The truth is that knowing the right people goes a long way, so make sure you’re meeting the right people. The new method makes networking all the easier; social media.
Social media is not just a handy tool in a job search, it is an essential skill you must master. Are you getting the most from your social media use, or have you failed to recognize its full potential? Check out our tips for how to best use social media for your job search.
Be Present.
We’ve spoken ad nauseam about how boomers tend to be more social media savvy than they are given credit for. But as true as that may be, they still trail behind on certain platforms. Facebook and LinkedIn seem to be rather popular with boomers, but in comparison, boomers make up only 12% of Twitter users. You’ll need to throw away your preconceived notions about social media or particular platforms. Let people see you engaging across the board. It doesn’t need to be a time consuming commitment, but putting yourself out there as much as possible is important.
Don’t Neglect Your Profile.
Social media profiles are an often overlooked feature, especially among boomers. When your profile is underwritten or incomplete, you’re only doing yourself a disservice. You need to treat your profile as a sales pitch for yourself. Choose a suitable profile picture, fill out your bio with relevant information, and let people know what you’re looking for in your career. If you worry about giving too much information online, that’s a reasonable concern, but there are privacy settings that ensure only your connections can see your profile information.
Make The Right Connections.
Social media is a great way to stay in contact with loved ones, but when you’re looking for a job, you don’t want your contacts to just be friends and family. Decide the path you want to take in your career, then research the appropriate companies that you’re interested in. Twitter is a great way to follow business and learn all their latest news. Facebook and LinkedIn are more useful for connecting to people. Use both methods and build a stronger contacts list.
Open Dialogues.
Connecting with someone who works at a company you admire doesn’t give you the right bombard them with interview requests. That’s a good way to lose a connection and rightfully so. Making a connection is only the first step, then the networking begins. Open a dialogue through social media chats and maybe schedule a time to get some coffee together. Social media is not a job board and as much as you are trying to sell yourself through it, you need to be aware that others are using it socially. Meet people without expecting something from them. Get to know them and let them get to know you. When the time comes to fill a position, they might just think about you first.
Share.
One of the best ways to present yourself and your skills over social media is by sharing. Share articles that you find interesting and ask for others’ opinions. Join groups and conversations that relate to your own interests—or, if no such groups exist, start your own. Write a blog to showcase your writing skills and your opinions. These are all great ways to put yourself out there and show people what kind of person you are.
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