The norm of looking for a job used to be to go down your local newsagents and trawl through the newspaper for classified ads. Finding a job has advanced as social media has changed the way we communicate.
Put away the newspaper and turn on your computer for your next career move.
Related: Why Social Media is More Effective than Job Boards [INFOGRAPHIC]
Below are ways social media can enhance your job search:
1. Do you have an online identity
We are not talking undercover identities but you need to create yourself a professional online identity. As many as 45% employers are looking online to find out the interests, hobbies and personality of potential employees. Some of the many channels they will tap into include Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Facebook is a great way to not only keep up to date with photos from your friends and family but it enables you to create professional contacts and your ex colleagues may well be able to help you find a job.
LinkedIn is a fantastic and easy way to have your CV online and allow potential employers to search for skills that match your criteria. This can massively increase your chances of getting closer to employers hiring.
You may associate Twitter with hash tags and something celebrities use to update everyone else on what they are doing. But not only can you get in contact with your role model but it is a chance to see jobs posted by employers. But be quick as these can quickly go.
Related: Be Careful: Employers Eyes are on your Social Media
2. Who is watching you?
You may well have a profile on some, if not all of these social media platforms but it is worth remembering that you are opening your life and privacy to the internet that is accessible by millions. Your online presence is not only viewed by you but also millions around the world. Remember to keep your profiles professional so that it reflects you in the best possible manner. It is certainly ok to have some personal information about yourself such as your hobbies but it would not look good to have pictures of your latest night out as these can be seen by a company. Remember before you post!
Related: Digital Footprint can Damage your Employment
3. Do your research and then research more and more and more
The best way to increase your network which will help you get into contact with employers looking to recruit is to explore other social medias such as blogging. Blogging is a fantastic way to prove your skills and experience. For example if you are looking for a job in Information Technology blog about the latest technology, putting across your opinions. Once you start blogging, build up your followers with companies of similar interests. Newspapers may not be as common as they used to be, but the newspapers still create online blogs which is great for resource material so follow other blogs of common interest and make relevant comments.
Where to start?
Twitter:
@reedcouk
@totaljobsuk
@cvlibrary
@jobsitejobs
@learnistorg
@TescoCareers
@Primarkjobs
If you want to see more then type the company name in the search field start following them to see their latest jobs.
Total Jobs
Monster.co.uk
CVLibrary
Use the search in facebook to find your favourite employer and like them to see their latest vacancies.
Tesco Jobs
Job Openings
Sainsburys Careers
Asda Careers
You can use the search on LinkedIn to locate your desired company to view the latest opportunities from them.
Jump aboard the social media wagon and don’t get left behind. Get your Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn profiles up to date and showcase your skills.
What do you think about finding a job through social media?
This is great advice, but a word of caution. If you are already employed and looking to change, be careful what you write on social media sites regarding employment. It will not look good if your current employer finds out you are looking for work by seeing it plastered all over social media sites (linkedin etc). Those out of work and looking this will not be an issue. Oh, one more word of warning, I understand that employers will now google applicants names etc and look for their profiles on social media sites, so again, ALWAYS be careful what you write andwhat pictures you post
‘It would not look good to have photos of your latest night out as these can be seen by a company’ … I think this is a bit extreme: sure don’t have photos of you dancing naked on a bar then puking in the street, but I think most companies would be fine with tasteful photos of you that demonstrated a healthy social life- some smiley photos with friends in a bar/club hardly mark you out as a loose cannon. You also haven’t mentioned Facebook privacy settings, which are a very important part of managing your online presence. If your settings are up to date and watertight, then (in theory!) unwanted third parties can’t see your photos.