Making connections
Social media can be an efficient, smart tool in job search
The internet has shrunk the world, making it not only easier to connect with people on the other side of the world, but with friends, neighbors and colleagues in the same town.
The connectability aspect of the internet has created a powerful tool for job seekers, who can use social media to make professional connections, learn about job opportunities and showcase their skills and education. LinkedIn helps applicants to network by connecting with others in their industry and by providing articles relevant to their field of work. Some employers may also post job openings or use LinkedIn to recruit potential job candidates.
While Facebook is not technically for job searches, those looking for a job can use it to display who they are and keep connections with those who might offer a lead on a job. Twitter is a wealth of information with links to various articles and organizations.
Susan P. Joyce is a consultant who specializes in helping people use social media to find a job. She started the websites JobHunt.org and WorkCoachCafe. com to provide tips for job seekers.
“You prepare for job hunting by doing internet research to understand the companies you will be interviewing with,” Joyce says in an interview from the Boston area. “And, social media is a great way to do that.”
Michelle Dearholt, chief performance officer for Nusenda Credit Union, says following companies on Twitter that one might want to work at or organizations that can provide professional tips is a good way to leverage social media in a job hunt.
“Read articles that could help you be better,” she says. “Read articles about things that spark your interest.”
Joyce says that not only is using social media a great tool in a job search, it’s necessary.
“An ‘invisible’ job seeker today is one often viewed by recruiters and potential employers with some suspicion,” she says. “It is rare to find no signs of online activity for someone, and lack of visibility is particularly concerning when a job seeker is not present online.”
In her article “Guide to Social Media & Job Search” Joyce discusses how employers use it to learn about applicants. Employers, she says, look at a job applicant’s Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn page to discover how well they communicate, possibly verify work history and or education and how applicants spend time when they are not working.
Some information, however, could potentially ruin an applicant’s chance for an interview. Joyce says that companies might also use social media pages to learn about a candidate’s alcohol consumption, use of illegal substances and/or use of profanity. Dearholt says while everyone has the right to post what they like on social media, they lose control over the content once it’s posted. She says it’s also important to keep in mind who could potentially see posts, even those one thinks are private.
“It’s (the post) a reflection of your character and judgment,” she says. “We want people who project the value of the credit union. One thing to keep in mind with social media is to avoid posting anything that is derogatory or inflammatory against anyone or anything.”
Themuse.com, a free career advice website, offers these general social media tips. Before beginning a job search, job seekers should make sure their profiles are “super clean,” meaning devoid of profanities, party pics, long political or other rants and anything that could be deemed offensive. Joyce says people who rant come across as “cranky and nasty.”
“It’s better not to do any ranting and act like a grownup,” she says. “But if you’re gonna misbehave, do it with a different name and email address.”
The muse.com says when it comes to a professional social media profile, applicants should use their real name, not a nickname, and a professional looking profile photo is also important. According to LinkedIn, people with photos get 21 times more profile views and nine times the number of requests to connect than those who do not. According to LinkedIn, job seekers should wear the attire appropriate for the industry and take a photo with a simple background in good lighting. Natural light is best, according to LinkedIn.
Also, those on the hunt for a job should consider posting links about projects from current and past jobs, to a blog or personal website or anywhere else a potential employer could learn more. Joyce says the right type of bio on Twitter is important. She says it’s a good idea to use keywords that job recruiters might use when doing a search for potential candidates and listing one’s location.
“This (using social media to find a job) is not intuitive to any of us,” Joyce says. “We are in a new era of personal online reputation management.”