How to Find Jobs Using Online Social Networks
Finding work can be a job in itself. Typically, workers will spend six months or longer to find a position worthy of their qualifications. However, with social networking that could be a different story. Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are the leading social networks that have opportunities to locate work quickly. According to an article in Time magazine, the best way to get a job using a social network is to have someone already working there mention your name. Therefore, learning how to set-up an account and make connections are vital to the success factor of finding jobs using online social networks.
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Things You'll Need
- Social network account memberships
- Profile picture
- Resume
- References
- Connections
Instructions
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Create a professional resume. The resume should be at least one page and include the most recent employment first. Use bullet points and write in fragmented sentences using action words. For example, "coordinated," "produced" and "budgeted" are keywords to mention in every resume.
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Establish accounts with social networks tailored to hiring. LinkedIn is a popular option among professionals and with the Job Seeker Premium Account, it may be easier to locate work. Also, there is a jobs section on the website that can be categorized by sector. In order to branch out further, Facebook and Twitter are places to use connections to collect data on the latest job opportunities. Friends may advertise freelance, and permanent opportunities through direct messages. Network in more than one place for the best results.
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Post a professional photo and basic contact information. The picture should be a recent head-shot. Make sure it meets size requirements for each profile site (i.e., 180 x 540 on Facebook). The contact information should include a phone number and email at minimum. It may be mentioned within a short paragraph summary when applicable for your professional profile background.
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Seek connections with people working in the jobs you want. Join groups online that fit the category you desire employment. Attempt to obtain a meeting or connect personally outside the social network. Sometimes, groups meet locally and foster an opportunity to network in-person. Creating a personal relationship in a public venue allows for a chance to get the interview for a job opportunity found online in the future.
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Obtain references from the individuals you have connected with on the social networks. For example, a LinkedIn profile is only complete when you have at least three references. Have proof to validate your qualifications and interests. Encourage people that you've worked with on a significant project in different capacities to write one. Also, be sure to return the favor to them promptly.
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Follow-up with job openings applied for. Send direct messages to hiring managers in human resources departments. Find out when candidates for the position will be contacted for interviews.
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Tips & Warnings
Be accessible and friendly to people online. For example, ask about what is the favorite part of a connection's day at work. Learn about the position you want, while establishing a real friendship.
Stay active on the sites everyday, until you find the job you want.
Ask for an introduction online to people you think are connected to your targeted hiring manager.
Send out an announcement that you are looking for work in a particular area on all social network accounts and request connections to inquire about openings at their places of employment.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit so cheap computers image by Marin Conic from Fotolia.com
