How do you use social media to supplement your job search? This short presentation covers the basics!
Topics include the use of Twitter, LinkedIn, Flavours.me and About.me. We hope that this presentation shows you how you can supplement your job search with various social networking tools.
It’s a known fact that employers tend to Google people now.Some openings don’t even look for resumes anymore – they just want your LinkedIn account (e.g. recent Hootsuite openings)Google considers social media “good content”.Real-world job seekers are finding good results via social media.
Objective – example: Get job leads? Increase network? Position myself as an expert?GOAL – Example: Increase my professional network to 500 by August 2011.Audience – Current employer? Future employers? Specific companies? Perhaps just friends, family, co-workers?
Create your own blog, or contribute to a blog such as the AIESEC blog and the Career Services Informer blog.
Controlling your privacy takes time, but it’s worth it. Note: On Twitter, it’s recommended that you keep your profile public for Google purposes.
Consider removing your Facebook profile from a Google search. Other sites (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc) are usually better because they are less personal than Facebook.
Some companies post job opportunities via their Facebook pages
LinkedIn has a “jobs” section.
This is an example. Lesley tweets about jobs in Communication, Marketing, Project management
Another example. SIAT SFU tweets about jobs related to web design, graphic design, etc.
Another example. Talent Egg tweets about a wide range of coop, internship and full-time employment opportunities for Canadian students.
LinkedIn is a good way to connect with people you’ve met via networking events, through volunteer work, paid job, etc.Tip: When connecting on LinkedIn, always customize your message.
Once connected on LinkedIn, ask for recommendations from supervisors, professors, etc.
Don’t forget about the “social” aspect of social media > Talk to people. Contribute with insightful comments. Meet people in real life.
Most important tip: Social media is a supplement to other means. Continue to meet people face-to-face via informational interviews, volunteering, attending networking events, getting an internship, etc.
Even more important: Once you get a job, maintain your relationships via social networks and face-to-face meetings.
Social media is fun. If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong. :P
- Ask the group what they think. Possibly answer questions.