How Social Media Can Boost Your Job Search

Still unsure if social media should be part of your job search strategy?  Consider these 2011 Jobvite statistics:

• 86% of job seekers have a social media profile.
• In the last year, 54% of social media users have used Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter in their hunt for work.
• 1 in 6 job seekers found their last job through an online social network.

For the smart job seeker, these statistics underscore how vitally important it’s become to integrate tools like Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook into your job search.

PrideStaff can help you get started.  Use our social media job search tips to start building connections and jump start your career:

Tweet it out. 

Although there is a lot of “noise” on Twitter, it’s also a great source for real-time job opportunities.  Search relevant hashtags, such as #jobs, #hotjobs or #hiring, to see what positions are available. You may also want to combine these hashtags with the city or industry in which you’re trying to find a job (e.g., #marketingjobs or #lasvegashotjobs).  To cast a wider net, find relevant accounts to follow such as companies you’d like to work for, staffing agencies like PrideStaff and online job listing sites.

Link up on LinkedIn. 

LinkedIn is a robust, professional networking site that can help you get connected to potential employers.  To use this tool effectively, start by creating a complete profile (follow the online step-by-step instructions until your profile is 100% complete) that is error-free and features a professional-looking picture of you.  Maximize your professional headline by writing something that is catchy, specific and SEO friendly.

Once your profile is complete, use the following tips to turn this site into a powerful job search weapon:

• Grow your network:  invite current/former co-workers, fellow alumni and friends into your network; join groups and online discussions to make new connections; ask for introductions when appropriate.
• Share timely, relevant content – including news, blog posts and other articles – to demonstrate that you stay current on the trends affecting your industry.
• Ask for recommendations, to give readers a third-party perspective on the quality of your work.
• Find job opportunities – search for people with similar profiles to find out where they work; research contacts in companies for which you’d like to work; use the Jobs page to identify opportunities which may be right for you.

Don’t forget about Facebook. 

Turn your Facebook page into a career command center:

• Use your LinkedIn profile to as a guide to revamping your Facebook profile, including posting the same professional content.   
• Follow companies you want to work at, because recruiters and staffing firms like PrideStaff use the site to post available positions.
• Ask friends for help.  When you’re unemployed, it’s perfectly acceptable to post “I’m looking for a job in (insert field).  If you know of a company that’s hiring, or of someone who could help me network, please let me know.”  If you’re currently working, however, use Facebook’s private messaging feature to conduct inquiries.

Be mindful of privacy issues. 

Don’t let your online search jeopardize your current job.  Protect your identity (and your existing job) by managing the privacy settings on each social media outlet you use and limiting access to your essential contact information (e.g., name, address, phone, etc.).  Take down or secure anything that could potentially be viewed by an employer as unprofessional. Finally, set up a personal email account (that doesn’t include your name) for recruiters to use to contact you.

Give your local PrideStaff office a call to start your job search today.