Can you really find a job on social media?
The short answer is "yes." I recently met a woman who’d been headhunted via LinkedIn and quit her job to work for the competition, but she’s more the exception than the rule. The longer answer is that you can no longer ignore social media as part of your job search strategy. Here are some tips on how to be effective...
Build a professional profile.
Create an online identity that reflects the way you want to present yourself to potential employers. If that means setting up a limited profile on Facebook to hide your questionable photos from college parties, or creating an alternate Twitter identity to keep your personal obsessions secret, then do it. It’s no secret that hiring managers do Google potential employees. Moreso, corporate recruiters frequent LinkedIn to scout for talent. Since it’s almost unprofessional not to be on there, take some time to develop your network, incorporate the keywords from your resume into your profile, and get recommendations from colleagues.
Make meaningful connections.
Social media offers the power to connect you with the leaders and HR professionals in your industry, but following or "friending" someone should not be the ultimate goal. It’s useless to just exchange business cards at a networking event unless you plan to follow up, and the same can be said for making online connections. Do your research and find contacts in the organizations you’re trying to get your foot into. Try and build relationships by striking up conversations, providing useful information, and being engaged in their world, so that if opportunities arise, you’re a known element.
Become a source.
If you really want to get known in your field, become a conduit of information. Be the person who links people together, finds and tweets the latest info, and cross-promotes for key players in your industry, and you’ll certainly draw some attention. Or, build up your online identity by developing a blog on your area of expertise and you'll attract followers and possibly pull in recruiters too.
When all is said and done, the old adage of “it’s all about who you know” has never rung more true than in the social networking realm. The passive job seeker who waits for jobs to be posted misses 80 per cent of openings, while the active job seeker who is out meeting people, volunteering, and keeping up-to-date with their field has much more access to opportunities. Social media offers a unique platform for you to be actively engaged in your industry alongside the people who may be actively looking for someone like you to join their team.
Image courtesy Creative Commons.
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