Job Hunting - Watch Social Media

When competition for jobs is steep, there are ways to get a leg up on other applicants by using social media in smart ways. LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) is a great business networking platform that can help you make connections, Twitter (www.twitter.com) and Facebook (www.facebook.com) are great to keep up-to-date with industry news, and all are sites which allow you to find employment opportunities. Think of it as a virtual networking breakfast or lunch but from the comfort of your own home. For job searching, experts recommend: • Signing up for LinkedIn Premium. Not only will it avoid leaving footprint marks of profiles you check (so profile owners can see you visited them), but it also shows that you mean business. • Utilizing the search function, research the profiles of people who have the kind of role you are looking for (you can do this on LinkedIn and Facebook). Then look at their connections within the organization. This will give you a great insight into what that organization is looking for skills-wise, and how they like career information presented. • Sending connection requests to and following industry peers, potential recruiters, and organizations that you’re interested in working for. Follow up with a note asking if they have ten minutes to hop on a networking call, where you can sell your skills and experience to fill any potential vacancies. • Sharing industry news on Twitter. As you grow your connections you’ll be seen as someone who has a finger on the pulse in your industry.