How to Use Social Networking in Your Job Search

Use social networks to find a job.

Social networking sites are predicated upon building powerful networks. The networks can not only be exploited for building and friendships and romantic relationships, but they can also be used to access job opportunities. To use social networking in your job search, you first need to build a profile on one or more social networking sites, then express your interests in obtaining a position, and then build your network to find available opportunities.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Build a professional-looking profile on one or more social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter. Your profile should avoid displaying pictures, text, or other images or links that could be controversial or deemed as unprofessional. Only display photos that are in good taste, avoid using those which display any nudity, partying, and such. Avoid displaying a contact email address that reflects your personal interest or taste, such as [e-mail]. And make sure you display an email address that you check frequently.

2. Insert your resume into your profile. LinkedIn is set up to display a user's resume and desire to find new job opportunities. In other social networking sites, like Facebook, you can insert your job history by hitting "Edit Information" on the "Info" tab of your Profile. Make sure your resume is accurate and grammatically correct.

3. Do a search for job opportunities. Enter a job-related term like "Computer Network Job," or "Actress Needed" to find any job opportunities. This type of search can be done on all of the social networking sites, including Twitter.

4. Include your interests, talents, and anything else you have to offer an employer in the "About Me" or Bio section of your page. For example, if you are interested in receiving a job as a photographer, make sure to include lots of photos you have taken plus your love of photography on your profile. Make sure to also mention any accomplishments or significant achievements in your bio. On Twitter, you can offer followers useful information that might display your expertise in a field. For example, if you are an accountant, you may want to tweet followers interesting or useful tax tips or business accounting tips. A future employer or client might be following you, and decide to give you a job based on the advice you are giving.

5. Build a network on these social networking sites. Contact past coworkers, employers, and even potential employers and coworkers and make them part of your network. Make sure to advise contacts that you are looking for work and ask them for any opportunities that may be available or for a referral. For example, if you desire to work for MTV, you may want to enter a quick search for MTV or groups related to MTV employees and then make them your friends, or follow them on Twitter. Work on building a relationship with these people by showing off your talents, for say, music video making on your profile page. Then inquire about any opportunities at MTV.

6. Broadcast your interest in acquiring a new job opportunity via your Status Updates or Tweets. Facebook, for example, allows users to enter in their Status Updates. Some users use it to enter in what they are currently doing or feeling, such as "Looking for a New Career." You can also tweet, on Twitter, your interest in acquiring a new job. This, of course, is not advised if you are currently working and your employer is not aware of your job search.

7. Update your profile. Make sure to include any new information that might be important to a future employer. For example, winning an award in a short-story writing contest would be important to include when you are looking for an opportunity as a writer. Keep your contact information updated as well.

References

• Black Collegian: How to Use Social Networking Sites to Find a Job
• NewMediaChatter: How to Use Social Networking Sites to Find a Job
• ABCNews: Tweet Your Way to a New Job