Pros & Cons of Online Social Networking for Job Searches
Social networking can be used beyond connecting with long-lost friends. Tools such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn can also help you find a new job. Before you tell your hundreds of followers that you are looking for new employment, think the following pros and cons over to determine if using social networking is right for your job search.
Other People Are Reading
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Pro: Reach a Wide Network
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Tweet that you are looking for a job, and you have automatically notified possibly hundreds of job search helpers. Everyone you have "friend-ed" or you follow has a network of their own, and thus your message could impact many times the number that actually read the message.
Pro: Personal Brand is Quickly Represented
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Potential employers can take a quick glance at your social network activity to tell where your interests lie. If your personal brand is evident in your activity, they immediately can measure your knowledge and passion in the field. Make certain that your profile and updates reflect positively on what type of employee you are and your desire to work in your chosen field.
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Pro: Creates the Conversation
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Social networking allows for easy conversations, perfect for if you have job search questions. For example, if you have a question about interviewing, resumes or cover letters, ask via social networking, and you will see a wide variety of advice quickly. The advice may conflict, but the variety of opinions and discussion that may stem from that will only strengthen your final product or interview.
Con: Blurring of Personal and Professional Lives
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When using social networking in a job search, make sure your profile is the best possible representation of you. Untag embarrassing or incriminating photos, and think twice about suggestive or controversial commentary in your status updates. Appear professional and mature, and you will create a great digital impression.
Con: Awkward Current Employment Situations
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If you are currently employed, be weary of using social networking to openly advocate for a new position. If your supervisor is unaware of your job search, she will be caught off-guard if she sees you openly searching for a job, and may question your commitment to your current position and employer. No matter the situation, you never want to burn bridges, so make sure you have spoken with your supervisor about your plans prior to proclaiming your desire for a new position on line.
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