You already use Facebook and other forms of social media to stay connected with friends, so why not leverage it for your job search? Here”s an overview of ways to incorporate social media as part of your job search strategy. 
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a “must do” for your job search. Recruiters and hiring managers have started to rely on LinkedIn as a key source for candidate searches. Create a profile on LinkedIn that details your experience, expertise, and interests. You can search companies and groups on LinkedIn, connect with people, and learn more about key industries and the companies you would like to work for.
- Facebook: You can leverage Facebook to browse interest groups and follow company updates and events.
- Twitter: Twitter has become a great resource for learning about job opportunities. Conduct Twitter searches, follow recruiters and people at the companies you”d like to work for, and reach out to them in order to network and learn more about opportunities.
- Blogs: Not only can you follow topics of interest, but you can also subscribe to blogs that integrate job banks or post job listings.
To leverage social media effectively, it is important to be proactive. Instead of searching only for jobs, expand your focus to search for people who are affiliated with organizations and companies of interest. Initiate contact with people you would like to get to know by introducing yourself and explaining why you are interested in connecting. You never know who you might meet in the process.
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Jackie Trepanier, Founder of Cultivated Coaching, is a leading coach and voice of today’s accomplished professionals. She works one on one with those ready to develop a plan for the next chapter of their businesses, careers, and lives. Jackie can be reached at jackie@cultivatedcoaching.com or www.cultivatedcoaching.com.
