How to Use Social Networking Websites to Get a Job
Searching for and obtaining a job can be as simple as making your page on a social networking website more professional. Some employers use networking sites to casually investigate potential employees and in some cases, it can be the determining factor. Learn key ways to get a job by simply changing your approach to social sites.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Use social networking websites for exactly what they are, a networking tool. If you are using your social web page solely for the purpose of getting a job, join career interest groups only. You don't want your profile cluttered with unnecessary links. Also, you want the main messages coming to your inbox to be vital updates regarding jobs, not what parties are happening this weekend.
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2
Check the website's marketplace or job posting sites often. If your social networking site offers a place to post jobs or services, try to check these listings as quickly as they are updated. Also, by listing your services or your qualifications in the marketplace you give the opportunity for clients and employers to seek you.
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3
Conduct yourself with the highest level of professionalism. The age is coming where everyone will soon have an account on a social networking website--including your boss and her mom. Take the initiative and let your employer see the business professional side of you.
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4
Use your real name. There's nothing worse than coming across names like "Joe 'Shmoeaintmyname' Doe." Not only does it annoy employers, it is very unprofessional. Using your actual name will also help you to be searched by those looking for you.
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5
Delete pictures that may damage your character. You move around the coffee room at work like a conservative employee but outside of work you're wild! You drink, dance provocatively at bars--maybe even on top of them, and you like nude beaches--go you! However, these are the kinds of behaviors that potential employers like to avoid.
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Keep your profile clean. Use your profile as a resume, making sure that it is neat and not cluttered. Keep the design clean and not too busy. Delete all of the crazy marijuana and jazzy little hearts designs. Use proper English and do not use profanity.
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7
Screen or delete your wall and message board. Be very careful of any function that allows people to publicly post things about you at their leisure. Delete profanity or anything talking about how drunk you were last Monday night. Also, delete things about skipping class or work. This may taint your credibility as a reliable employee.
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8
Update your profile often. As often as you update your resume, update your social networking web page twice as often. When looking for a job you want potential employers to view the most relevant information. Especially if you send your resume off to a company and they look your name up in the social database, you want your profile to reflect your application and the resume you sent to them.
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9
Update your status often. Don't be modest, make your job search obvious but tasteful. Use a status like, "Joe is a business school student with two years of market research experience and is actively seeking an entry level position." You may attract an employer or someone who works for a company seeking a qualified candidate for a particular position--and you may be it.
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10
Add links to your services in your profile. If you are an independent contractor in any field and searching for new clients post your links into your profile, as people are reading, they can't help but click on them. By adding "www.yourservices.com" to your profile, most sites will automatically create a hyperlink to the site. Also, don't forget to add your links to your status updates.
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Tips & Warnings
Beware of making your social networking web page too bland, your potential employer may also want to see that you have some personality.
