With so much time we spend on social media and our increased usage of this platform for news and other information, it's not surprising that many of us rely on social media ads as a key new way to find jobs.
Job hunting through social media can take place on any platform but LinkedIn may be the first social network most people think of when it comes to a career change. However, Facebook has come up with a job board feature, where companies can post jobs directly to their company page or a specific job pages.
Job seekers can apply to the jobs immediately through Facebook. So it means that branding can take place on any platform, from Facebook, to Instagram, to Twitter and many more.
For job seekers, here are tips to maximize positive exposure through strategically using social media channels.
Complete A Social Media Audit
First, are your social media profiles public or private? You should scan of your social media footprint and take note of all the places where you show up. Do you post content that shows your talents or interests?
These are questions you should have in mind when you start digging through your online presence. Consider what your social media profiles say about you to someone who has never met you and if you are satisfied with the picture it portrays.
Optimize Your Profiles
Next, take action. You may want to make certain profiles private, create secondary accounts or start purposefully sharing content that matches the job you are seeking.
As an example, for Facebook and LinkedIn, you’ll have to fix all incorrect information about yourself before applying, as your application pulls information from your profile.
Remember to use keywords in your profiles that might be used by recruiters who are searching for suitable candidates for their openings.
For example, if you are a developer, mention the names of languages you are familiar with. Share links to projects or portfolios that you may have online.
Reach Out To Others – When Relevant
What’s the etiquette for social media messages regarding a job search? It’s no different than using any other channel.
A personal message to someone who can help make a connection or introduction can be of great value– as long as it’s relevant and doesn’t come across as spam.
Do your research prior to firing off a direct message to show that you’re interested in talking to this person specifically, rather than spamming your network.
Grow Professionally Using Social Media
Whether a job search is active or passive, social media can always be leveraged to grow, learn and make ongoing connections.
For example, YouTube is a trove of tutorial videos that can teach coding skills, networking tips and countless other important career skills. There is always time to watch cat videos but remember to leverage on the unprecedented opportunity that the internet has brought to the world. Instead of wasting time on social media, use it for your professional advantage.
Social media is just one tool in a job search. Don’t only post or tweet at the expense of networking, polishing your resume and developing your career. Combining traditional career advancement with social media can accelerate your job growth.