How to Find a Job Using Social Media Tools

Social media, a type of media that uses web-based technologies, can help you turbo-charge your job search efforts. You can use social media tools for networking, to connect with recruiters and hiring managers, to highlight skills and abilities and to find job postings. Most social media tools are free to use, easy to learn and encourage user participation and user-generated content. LinkedIn is the most common social media tool used by job seekers in the United States.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet connection
• Resume
• E-mail account

Instructions

1. Sign up for an account on at least one social media website, such as LinkedIn, Twitter and/or Facebook. Provide a user name, an e-mail address and other pertinent information as described in the sign up form(s).

2. Create a detailed, well written user profile that highlights your skills, abilities, education and qualifications. Proofread the content and correct any typographical errors. Use language that will help you stand out from job-seeker competition. If you include details about your job history, ensure titles and dates are consistent with your resume.

3. 

   Include a professional photograph in your profile.

   Add a professional photograph to your profile. Photographs help to engage readers and create more interest in your profile. Ensure the photograph is flattering and aligns with your personal brand.

4. Research keywords that tie to your job search goals and ensure they are included somewhere in your profile. These are terms that recruiters and hiring managers may use when searching for candidates like you online. For example, a recruiter searching for a marketing department leader, may search for the terms "marketing," "manager," "director" and "strategy."

5. 

   Interact with your network

   Interact with your network. Leverage the "status update" function to disperse information and ideas. Share links to interesting online content. Ask questions and participate in online discussions. Follow employees who work for your target companies.

6. Create a target company list and search online job listings, then use social media to find networking contacts within companies that you are interested in. Ask for introductions and referrals to improve your chances for success.

7. Help other people in your network find jobs and get business referrals. Helping others will ultimately help your own job search efforts.

Tips & Warnings

• Blogging is another social media tool that can assist with your job search. By writing high quality posts about a business topic, you demonstrate your knowledge and experience about that topic. Blog posts also help to increase your online presence. If someone searches for your name in a search engine, your blog posts will often come up in the search results.

• Everything you say or post online becomes a permanent record. Your social media content should exclude anything controversial and should always support your professional image.

References

• "Job Hunt": How To Get Started With Social Media, By Alison Doyle, 2009
• "Mashable": 7 Secrets to Getting Your Next Job Using Social Media, By Dan Schawbel, 2009
• "Business Week": Social Media And The Job Search, By Stephen Kohnle, July 13, 2009

Resources

• The Personal Branding Blog
• Executive Career Brand
• Careerealism