Job Hunting and Your Personal Profile on Social Media
If you are serious about job hunting, there’s no doubt that you need a strong presence on social media. As a fast growing recruitment tool, if you’re not visible and actively engaging, you could be losing out to other applicants. If that sounds overwhelming or you’re not sure where to start, we have some clear and simple pointers for you.
LinkedIn is THE B2B (business to business) networking tool and is used by companies, recruiters, and headhunters to find candidates. Having no profile means you risk losing out to other job seekers, potential employers thinking you’re technologically outdated or that you have something to hide.
Start by making sure your profile is up to date and complete. Use the personal summary to list key skills, areas of expertise, capabilities, and achievements. A very useful feature to build credibility and authenticity online is the Endorsements section. Ask managers, colleagues, suppliers or friends to write you a personal recommendation; even direct them on the positive things you’d like written about you.
To increase your chances, connect to your existing network, from your career, education, personal life, and even strangers that work in the same field. Follow companies and industry groups to further widen the net and stay up to date on their latest news.
LinkedIn has a great ‘Jobs’ feature, where you can specify career preferences and drill down your search criteria.
Another powerful tool for increasing online visibility, you might particularly enjoy Twitter if you have plenty to say on your subject. Although less formal than LinkedIn, still include a professional-looking photo on your profile. Make sure to add a link to your CV and LinkedIn profile. Follow companies and topics that interest you. It’s not crucial to tweet, but any comments and retweets will demonstrate an interest in a certain career path.
Facebook groups are hugely popular and an effective way to meet other professionals in your field of expertise. They are an invaluable way to network online, share knowledge and hear about job openings, particularly during times when face-to-face opportunities may be sparse. Don’t be afraid to share that you are available for work, just check the Group rules first! Again, follow company pages and engage to demonstrate interest.
Complete the profile and ‘About’ section, with details of previous roles, skills, and education, before any engagement. Lastly, regularly check the Facebook dedicated jobs platform, a very user-friendly tool.
Potential opportunities and pitfalls
When joining a new social media channel, follow your existing connections. It is also good etiquette to follow anyone back who follows you. As the name suggests, treat your accounts as a way of socialising – be seen to engage and contribute, by liking, commenting, sharing, and, ultimately, posting.
It is wise to keep in mind that social media could be where first impressions are made when you are posting or commenting. Google your social media usernames for an idea of how you come across to the outside world. Potential employers can be put off when seeing something they don’t like, so a clean-up of your social media history may be in order.
Finally, once you are happy with your profiles you can update your status across all the social media channels to say you are looking for a new opportunity. Then wait for the pings!
Further reading
