Social networking is an effective way to use social media to reach out to the people you know – and the people who have the ability to hire you. It is increasingly common for employers to tweet information, recruit candidates through LinkedIn, and check out potential employers on Facebook.
You may even want to include links to your professional accounts and websites on your resume. LinkedIn – This is the best site for connecting with professionals and advancing your job search.
Build your network wide enough and you might find a contact with your ideal employer! Use these tips for creating a strong profile and network:
- Upload a professional photo of yourself
- Complete and update profile, using key words to describe your acomplishments
- Provide and request recommendations
- As you meet professional contacts, invite them to your network with a personal note
- Join groups (but only those in which you can actively participate), including Career Coaching Young Professionals Network.
After you’ve built a network, consider these tips to research and connect with
opportunities:
- Search for appropriate contacts at targeted employers. If someone in your network is connected to the employer (even through their contacts), ask for an introduction
- Search to find background information on employers before your interview
- Create professional and relevant status updates to keep your name visible in your network
- You may want to include a hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile in your email signature
Facebook – Think about it: Where else do you have such a wide group of people in one place? Send messages to your friends: “Know someone who is a sports agent?” “I’m looking for an internship – anyone know where I can buy a decent suit with low funds?” “I want to help kids; where should I volunteer my time?”
Twitter – Are you interested in a particular company or organization? Find out if they have a Twitter account. What messages are they spreading about their projects? How are they engaging with their customers? Know this, and you’ll appear more knowledgeable in an interview!
Blogging – View blogging as an online portfolio. In particular fields, you can demonstrate your talents in writing, photography, technology and art. You name it, you can blog it! If appropriate for your profession, include your blog site on your resume.
Caution: Be careful with the information you are putting out there. Clean up your online presence. For help with social networking and your job or internship search, visit with a career development specialist.