Using social media to find a job

The competition for jobs is fierce these days, but fortunately, job seekers can utilize the Web to help land a great position. Most employees know the basics of how to use online resources, regularly searching openings or posting résumés on sites like www.careerbuilder.com and www.monster.com. While these sites are excellent places to start, social networking sites can also help connect the right jobs with the right people.

“Social media is constantly growing and affecting those looking for jobs,” said Janet Moss, manager of employee satisfaction for Socket, a Missouri-based telephone and Internet provider. “Creating a simple presence on sites like LinkedIn and Twitter can help in the job hunt.”

Landing a great job is often the result of a person utilizing his or her existing network of people and connections to find the right position at the right company. Social media is making it easier than ever to stay in touch with past colleagues and old friends who might be the connection to a job someday. One way to get started online is LinkedIn.

LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) is an online business networking tool developed to strengthen contacts and assist job searches. Profiles are viewed as résumés with job history and recommendations. Job listings are posted, and hiring managers search profiles for potential candidates in their industry. The site keeps users informed of industry news, organizes business contacts and helps build a professional image. Companies also have profiles so job potential employees can learn more about the company, view openings and contact the hiring manager. LinkedIn can also be used to keep in touch with business contacts, which can help make the right connections to find the right job.

Twitter (www.twitter.com) can also help in an online job search. Twitter is a micro-blogging site that allows users to update through “tweets.” A tweet is a 140-character line used to inform people about recent events, a new blog or an interesting news article. The tweet is automatically distributed to a person or group’s Twitter contacts (called followers). When used correctly, a Twitter account can show a recruiter a positive, energetic attitude and knowledge for the industry. Those who remain current with updated news and tips will often impress recruiters.

Video résumés can also be linked to social networking profiles to give recruiters an idea of who the candidate is, helping him or her stand out from paper résumés. These brief videos can be produced professionally or at home. The video should be treated as an interview, with the applicant explaining past experiences in greater detail and displaying passion for the industry. Video résumés can also be posted on YouTube or given directly to potential employers.

While social networking sites can help in a job search, they can also stop it in its tracks. One in five employers screens potential candidates through social networking sites, according to CareerBuilder. Therefore, it is important to make sure a social networking presence conveys a good first impression. Running a quick search on social networks or Google can reveal ker what potential employers see. Google profiles can be created to ensure recruiters are looking at the correct profile.

Finally, don’t rely solely on the Web to find a job. Use local newspaper listings and word of mouth to find and pursue job opportunities as well.

“Online job hunts should complement traditional job searches, not replace them,” said Moss. “However, using the Web appropriately can help a job seeker increase the chances of finding that perfect job much quicker.”

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