When it comes to finding a job, sometimes who you know matters more than what you know. But, what is the best way to leverage your social networks to find your dream job? Read on for tips about how to navigate the social waters of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, so you can land your new job as quickly as possible.
Each social media channel has a very specific purpose when it comes to networking. In order to make the most of social media networking, it is important to understand the best way to use each tool.
Think of Facebook as your circle of closest friends. When you are considering looking for a new gig, you should take to your friend list to find out who you know in the industry in which you'd like to work. Then, start sending some messages — do your friends know of any job openings at their companies? Do they know anyone who might be hiring someone with your skills and experience? You could even put up a status update and let your network know you are looking for a new gig. A word of caution: if you are friends with any current co-workers (or your boss), be sure to limit the privacy for any job-seeking status updates.
Find a job in 140 characters or fewer? Possibly! Start by building your Twitter presence. Find key players in your industry and follow their accounts. Ask genuine questions to build a rapport. Then, tweet your interest in a new job. Be clear about the job you want, ask your followers for leads and retweets, and see if anyone is available for an informational interview. If you have 500 followers, and each of your followers has 500 followers, the amount of people your job inquiry might reach is insane.
Think of LinkedIn as your online resume, only in this case you aren't limited to just one page. Go a little crazy with it. Update your profile and make sure you've included any relevant job experience. Ask former colleagues and bosses to write recommendations for you. Next, search for groups to join. Look specifically in your industry and make new connections. If you've recently lost your job, you can send an email to your LinkedIn network, letting them know you are looking for a new gig. You can even do some research on companies in which you are interested. LinkedIn is your job-hunt playground; jump on the merry-go-round and have some fun!
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