As social media begins to blend with all parts of the business world, it has become significant that who you are online connects with the job you want. Here are some guidelines to maximize your search:
- Treat your profile page on any social media site (ie; LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc) as your resume. It should act as a snapshot to the world of who you are and what you’ve done.
- Make sure your posts reflect your professional personality. Tone, topic and content create your online presence. Let that presence reflect someone that everyone would want to work with, and hire.
- Use your comments, shares, and links to demonstrate your experience and knowledge in your field. This will build a compelling image of yourself and begin to help your contacts associate you with the positions you are trying to seek.
- Follow companies that you would love to work for before you are looking for a job. This early formed relationship will not only help you follow what they’re up to, but you may get the inside scoop on a job opening before everyone else does.
- Don’t keep your job search a secret. Let everyone, both personal and professional contacts, know not only that you are looking for a job, but exactly the type of job you are looking for. Contacts, referrals and job leads can come from the least likely of places.
Keep in mind that there is no replacement for face to face contact. Use your existing presence online to connect you with opportunities to meet these people in person. LinkedIn and Meetup provide ample opportunities for in person networking. Twitter and Facebook are great to view invites for events within companies you want to be a part of.
If you need help with maximizing your social media networking and your job search techniques, I would be happy to assist you.
New York Career Counselor and Coach - Eileen Sharaga 