Social media is a huge part of human culture. In fact, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram have a combined 2.3 billion users. That’s roughly one-third the amount of people on the planet. Let’s all just take a moment to let that number set in.
Social media impacts our world in so many ways. Breaking news hits Facebook and Twitter almost instantly, videos go viral in just hours, and people we haven’t spoken to in years get a front row ticket to view our everyday lives.
These massive outlets of communication are incredible, and as a job seeker, it is in your best interest to use them to your benefit. So how can you use social media in your job search?
Here’s How Social Media Can Help
LinkedIn
Unlike, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, LinkedIn was built for professionals. It is your number one resource as a job seeker because it has been carefully curated to not only help you find a job, but to help you keep in touch with people you meet along the way. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated all the time to make sure you are putting your best foot forward.
Recruiters scour LinkedIn looking for candidates to fill open positions. Take an active role in LinkedIn by joining groups and taking part in conversations. Connect with people from those groups, as well as with recruiters and CEOs in your field. Get your name out there and build up a strong network.
Twitter
The ways in which to utilize Twitter are not as obvious as LinkedIn when it comes to your job search. Thinking outside the box will not only open up new doors for job opportunities, but it will ensure you are among the very few on the other side of that doorway.
Connect with CEOs and hiring managers from companies you want to work for. Use relevant hash tags along with smart, thoughtful posts to get their attention. Your innovative use of the social media platform will show you are a forward thinker.
Facebook
When you get to the interview stage of your job search, combine the forces of LinkedIn and Facebook to learn about your interviewer. First, look up the hiring manager on LinkedIn. Get an idea of their education, professional background and skills. Then, see if they have a public Facebook profile and use it to find out if you have any friends or hobbies in common.
While a resume is your chance to let your experience do the talking, the interview lets your personality shine through. Connecting with the hiring manager can put you at a huge advantage.
Instagram
Aside from learning a little bit more about the hiring manager, Instagram can serve as way to build your personal brand. Hiring managers and recruiters might search your Instagram profile to get a sense of who you are. Sure, if you are a designer or work in the arts, it makes sense to fill your profile with images of your best work. But, regardless of the field you work it, you can make Instagram work for you.
For example, you can post pictures from events you’ve attended that relate to your career. If you intend to use Instagram for professional purposes, commit 100% to that use. Let everything you post speak to your brand and make connections with others in your field.
The final scoop
Social media has earned its reputation as a powerhouse industry over the last decade. Once used primarily for keeping in touch with old classmates and getting ahead on celebrity gossip, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn can now help you get closer to your dream job.
Thanks for this guest post from James Hu of Jobscan
James Hu is the founder and CEO of Jobscan, a web tool that helps you land more interviews by matching your resume to job descriptions. With nine years of technology product experience, he previously co-founded an award-winning transportation start-up and worked as product managers for Kabam Games, Groupon, and Microsoft. James grew up in Seattle and graduated from the University of Washington and he is determined to lead a team to build the best software for job seekers.
You can follow James on Twitter and Jobscan on Twitter and LinkedIn
Below are more posts James has contributed:
5 Things You Need if You Want Your Resume to Be Seen
5 Things You Need to Know About Applicant Tracking Systems
Related Posts:
5 Things You Need if You Want Your Resume to Be Seen
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7 Social Media Tricks For Your Career and Job Search
The post How Social Media Can Help You Get Your Dream Job appeared first on Career Sherpa .