By now, most job seekers know that social media can help them network their way into a new role. For many, however, that means buffing up their LinkedIn profile and doing a quick sweep of their other networks to make sure there’s nothing on there that would make a hiring manager think twice about extending an offer. In this week’s roundup, we look at the biggest social network you’re not using to get hired, plus how to correct a colleague without sounding a jerk and why you should apply to jobs, even when you’re not totally qualified.
(Photo Credit: Death to the Stock Photo)
Hannah Morgan at Career Sherpa: 2 Secret Facebook Tips for Job Seekers
First of all, why use Facebook? Because everyone is on there – 1.65 billion monthly users! – including the people in charge of hiring for your next job. With a few tweaks, you can make sure that your Facebook profile works for you, not against you.
For example, how much thought have you put into your intro section? It might be time to take another look.
“This is an important personal branding opportunity. When someone views your profile, they will see whatever you have put in your Intro (it used to be called Bio). Facebook tells you how to edit this section here,” Morgan writes.
“If you are actively and publicly job searching, use your Intro section! In your intro, include your personal branding statement, Value Proposition, Pitch or a list of skills. DO NOT state you are ‘actively seeking new job’ or ‘in transition’. That sounds desperate. You only have 100 characters, so use them wisely.”
Find out how to make your profile work for you, at Morgan’s post.
Sarah Landrum at Punched Clocks: How to Correct a Coworker Without Sounding Like a Jerk
Work is hard on the conflict-avoidant. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to point out someone’s mistake – ideally, without looking like you’ve been waiting eagerly for the opportunity.
Of course, the first step is to figure out when it’s appropriate to correct someone.
“Sometimes, it’s better to let the mistake slide,” Landrum writes. “For example, if your coworker mispronounced the CEO’s name in one breath, and correctly pronounced it the next, the safest option is to keep quiet. But if that coworker rattles off 2014 numbers for a 2015 report in a company-wide meeting, someone needs to step in.”
To figure out if that someone is you, and how to do it, consider Landrum’s tips.
Kristen Walker at The Muse: Actually, You Should Apply for Jobs You’re Not 100% Qualified For
“It might seem logical to only go after jobs you’re fully qualified for, but it’s an extremely limiting (and unnecessary) mindset, and you’ll wind up cutting yourself off from potentially amazing opportunities!” writes Walker.
“I’m not in denial as to why so many people do this. After all, you’re probably thinking that if you’re not fully qualified for the job, then it’s a waste of time to apply, right? You don’t want to waste your own time or the employer’s time. That seems logical, but I don’t believe it’s the real reason we hold ourselves back.”
Find out what’s really going on, why you should push yourself to apply to those stretch jobs, and how to overcome a hiring manager’s hesitation, here.
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