8 Ways to Use Social Media to Get a Job
The growth of online technology has revolutionized how people interact around the
world. Social media sites have become a stem of communication, interaction and
connection. Though many people think social sites are primarily for entertainment, they
have become platforms where job seekers can find their dream job in the ever-
competitive job market. This article gives tips on how to use social media to get a job.
Set Up a Profile
LinkedIn is way above the rest in social media job searches. Most employers rely on this
platform for recruitment. It is therefore important to create an eye-catching LinkedIn
profile by providing details such as educational background, current location,
professional headline and summary, up-to-date picture, skills, explanation of your
responsibility, strength and achievements and a link to your curriculum vitae. In
addition, ensure that profiles for other social media accounts remain professional.
Connect with People
Getting a job takes work. Just as you need connections to get a job in normal
applications, you must also connect with the right people on social media. A good
network of friends is important if you need to be successful in job hunting. But don't
just connect with any Tom Dick and Harry; you need to connect with the right people.
The list should include people like your current colleagues, managers, supervisors and
employers. Furthermore, it is important to connect with former college mates and
colleagues with whom you share the same profession. A former colleague or colleague
mate can easily link you up with a job because they know you better. The bottom line is
to have a professional network of friends who can link you up with a good job. It is
important to note that other people, regardless of their professional background or
relationship, can link you up with a job. Have a few strangers as your online friends
too. It is harmless.
Join Facebook Groups and Connect With Friends
The essence of social media sites is networking. Even though people believe LinkedIn is
the preferred source of employment, Facebook can also work wonders. Their various
groups on Facebook can help you develop your career and network. You can join an
education, journalism, engineering, medicine, psychology, law, social work or
agricultural group, depending on what you studied in school. Such groups will help
you increase your knowledge base and can provide the best opportunities in your field.
Join the group and contribute to conversations. Do not be afraid to announce you are a
job seeker.
Post and Comment with Discipline
What you post or comment on social media can play against you in the future. Ensure
you have good social media etiquette. Use good and kind words, and never allow
yourself to use demeaning statements against others. Follow the rules and remain
professional in your posts, comments and discussions.
Get Endorsements on LinkedIn
One advantage of LinkedIn is that it has an endorsement feature. It allows the user to
include personal testimonials about skills and work experience. Endorsement on
LinkedIn differs from the references you include in your resume. On LinkedIn, request
an endorsement from former colleagues, bosses and friends who know you better. It is a
plus when people on LinkedIn endorse you. Potential employees will find your
information credible and authentic.
Google Yourself
It would help if you had a clean social media presence to get a good standing in the job
market. Sometimes people lose opportunities because of the derogatory statements they
made on social media years back. You must google your social media user name to
evaluate the profile and content shared. Reset your profile and delete information that
you feel is not good. Use privacy settings to hide information that you feel can destroy
your image. Some employees check social media accounts before giving an opportunity.
Be Active on Twitter
Besides LinkedIn and Facebook, Twitter is another platform that can help you get a job
faster. Be active on the platform, search for hashtags that match your career, contribute
to the discussions and retweet topics or ideas that you feel are good. Consider
retweeting with quotes feature on Twitter. It is important. You never know who will
look at your content and profile after that. Build relationships by following people who
matter in society, employees and people in your field.
Search Employers on Social Media
Most organizations are on social media. If you have a preferred institution you would
like to work for, search for them by visiting their website, blog, Twitter, LinkedIn,
Facebook and Instagram accounts. Getting in touch with these accounts will help you
gather more insightful information about the company. You can engage the company
by asking those questions that are helpful to you. Furthermore, you can comment on
their posts, but ensure you do that with some intelligence. Share their posts with your
friends. Remember you are in the process of creating a relationship.
