Using Social Networking as a Career Search Tool

By: Heather Hendrick, JobResourceCenter.com

Job searching was once accomplished through hours poring over classified ads, licking envelopes stuffed with resumes, and making endless cold calls. Thanks to the internet, looking for a new position has never been easier or more accessible. Innovation, while good in most respects, has unleashed an overwhelming number of options for the job seeker, however. Instead of spending hours searching job databases, use the parts of the internet you already enjoy and are familiar with - social media outlets - to help you land the job of your dreams.

Facebook:
The behemoth of all social networking sites, Facebook connects people all over the globe in a simple, meaningful way. Use this site to your advantage in the following ways:

Let everyone know via your status and info page that you are on the job hunt. Be specific about what you're looking for, and link to your website or blog where you've posted your resume and information as well.
Send messages to "friends" who already work in the industry you're targeting. Messages are less invasive but just as effective as emails. You have nothing to lose in these situations as these people are already your contacts, and therefore open to some form of communication with you.
Be careful to craft a professional online presence. This means removing any offensive or immature photos, wall posts, or even song lyrics from your profile where potential employers are likely to find it. The last thing you want to keep you from getting a job is an old Spring Break picture, so be safe rather than sorry no matter what privacy settings you use.

LinkedIn:
This site is the end-all be-all of job hunting. Built specifically for professional networking, LinkedIn weeds out the social aspects that come with sites like Facebook and turn social networking into a useful work-related tool. Managing your profile here can prove different than on other sites, but is worth the extra time as hiring managers specifically target the site when looking for new recruits.

Be sure the information you post here is updated and general enough to appeal to multiple industries. Think of your information on LinkedIn as you would a resume. Ask for references and make your profile stronger through the contacts you already have.
Reach out to anyone and everyone you meet in real life. The online equivalent of exchanging business cards, inviting someone to contact you on LinkedIn ensures that you build a solid network that grows on itself, even when you're not adding to it.
Contact people in your area that you find out the site. Be careful, this doesn't mean spamming employers, but rather sending detailed, information-rich messages to people you otherwise might not have access to. Use the site to build relationships, not initiate new ones.

Twitter:
The relative newcomer to the social media scene, Twitter, when used properly, can be a highly effective networking tool. Small word limits and constantly updating content mean this site works well for broadcasting information as well as garnering new data concerning your industry.

Check people tweeting specific keywords in your area concerning the type of job you want. For example, choose to follow or @tweet someone who mentions "nursing" in your area if you're looking to get into that field.
Put out regular tweets describing your job status. Don't be too personal or post too much information about ongoing interviews or opportunities, but feel free to let your network know you're looking and available, and what your qualifications are.
If you find relevant information online concerning job searching, post a link to it here. Over time, you may become a type of resource for other in your community and network, which in turn will build reputation equity for you and further open up your network.

The web is rich with useful, pertinent information, but also awash with that which is not. It's difficult and cumbersome to weed out the helpful data from the filler, so try and utilize what you already know and love about the internet. Social media is a tool that is constantly evolving and growing, and also one that nearly everyone is exposed to on a daily basis. Use this saturation to your advantage by getting your name and qualifications out there for the world to see. No one is going to hire you if they don't know you're available!

Tags: career tips, job search tips

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