Social Media in Job Hunting
How to use social media to find a job
Ever dreamed about working on an island in the Whitsundays? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to work at an advertising agency? Or perhaps you love the idea of being an accountant? Social media can help! All that’s involved in finding the job of your dreams – research, networking, writing your application, managing your reputation – can be assisted by social media to make your experience faster, more effective and more informed.
The reach of social media is ever-expanding and there are many ways to use social media to research, network, and eventually find a job. Social networking allows job-seekers and employers to reach their target – matching the right person to the right job.
The use of social media in recruitment is growing, and is already having a significant impact. In the U.S., 89% of companies have used social media networks for recruiting in 2011, up 6% from 2010 (http://careerenlightenment.com/), and this is a trend Australia is sure to follow. Lots of companies get Twitter accounts, which they use to keep you updated on what’s happening internally. This includes job vacancies. Graduate Opportunities has a Twitter account and can keep you up-to-date by tweeting currently available jobs:
Many companies, including a number in this book, now have a social media presence for recruitment purposes, often managed by employees or graduates themselves. This gives you a great opportunity to post a question on their Facebook page or leave a comment or question on the company blog and get a real, honest answer from someone who has the inside knowledge!
Some recommended resources are:
Facebook: www.facebook.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com
MySpace: www.myspace.com
PRINKS: prinksblog.wordpress.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com
ZoomInfo: www.zoominfo.com
If you are going to contact a prospective employer on social media, keep in mind how you want to be perceived. For example, what does your profile picture say to the recruiter or prospective employer? And how does the language and tone you use in your message reflect your personality? Keep in mind that prospective employers may be looking at your profile in the same way as you are looking at theirs – are you comfortable with what they would see? One out of three employers surveyed rejected candidates based on something posted in their online social media profiles. (http://careerenlightenment.com/)
Social media channels can also be used to expand your current network. There are often industry meet-ups and events that are shared, promoted and discussed on social media - start following some of the key industry players (brands and people) so you can understand what it’s like to work in the industry and discover events you could attend to learn more and meet potential employers.
When networking online, keep in mind the same etiquette applies online as it does offline. That means be polite, represent yourself with integrity, add value to the conversation and listen to others, as much as – if not more than! – talking yourself. But most of all, be yourself!
Hannah Law, Head of Social Media, Switched On Media. For more information visit www.switchedonmedia.com.au.
