Jan 10
24
Here are some highlights from my latest Examiner article, 8 tips for creating a social networking plan for your job search
Please feel free to read the article, or share with your friends, and as always, your comments are welcome.
I recently gathered my thoughts around the best way to use social networking in a job search in preparation for an upcoming Blog Talk Radio show. Are you leveraging the social networking to help with your job search? Are you using the social media ‘power trio’ – LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to build your network, support others, and get your message out? If not
I came up with 8 tips, and want to share them with you:
1. Use social media ‘power trio’ (LinkedIn, Twitter, & Facebook) to build your network
Brief description
* LinkedIn - world’s largest professional network, connects professionals, job seekers, networkers. You can research people / jobs / companies / groups, join groups of similar interest, and view status updates of contacts. Run company, people, and job searches. Leverage groups – job feature to search job openings daily.
* Twitter - think of a “headline” pointing to another link / website / blog, and a way to gather and share relevant career information. Quickly follow and attract “followers” of similar interest to build relationships, and expand job / career / business network connections. Twitter search is a great tool to view job postings on a daily basis.
* Facebook – more a “social” network initially. Has seen a spike in business / professional use lately with recruiters / consulting firms posting jobs, and forming job / career related groups. Become ‘friends’ with career industry and personal branding professionals to get the latest job search, online branding, and social media tips.
2. Setup a Google profile
3. “Connect”, “follow”, or “friend” industry leaders and career professionals
4. Network, network, network
5. Take advantage of mentors, network contacts that can motivate and encourage you
6. “Pay it forward” – share and recommend the work of others
7. Leverage latest features of job search engines
8. Find a “Social Media Champion” to help you leverage social networking in your job search
The goal of any networking opportunity should be to get face-to-face time with the contact, whenever possible, to strengthen the connection. Social media sites can be very useful in quickly gathering online connections; the trick is to take the next step and land an in person meeting with the contact.
The purpose of any networking venture, as with social media networking, is find ways to be a “people connector”, help others with job leads, and refer them to someone who might be a connection for them. By helping others, you create a stronger relationship with your contacts. People are far more likely to help you “connect” in return, thereby, increasing your chances to get quality contacts, and possible informational interviews.
Social networking sites, especially Twitter, are great resources for career networking and information gathering. Twitter can serve as your primary source for keeping current with your field and with industry leaders, desired employers, and other “power contacts” you want to “follow”. Through the people you follow or “friend” on social networking sites, you are able to stay current on the latest industry trends, and job search tips. You are able to stay “connected” with career professionals who share valuable information, and you have an opportunity to share your own work – news, views, and articles to help others, and build your brand.
Social media is the new way that people connect, communicate, and build relationships on the internet. Those with vision understand this and are finding quicker, better ways to share information, late-breaking news, and reach a much larger audience through viral marketing made possible by social media networking.
Do you need a “Social Media Champion?” Maybe you should find one?
See Examiner article ‘Do you need a social media champion?’ for more details.
My article was too long to reproduce here, so please click on 8 tips for creating a social networking plan for your job search for the complete article. Thanks
