As mentioned in a previous post, LinkedIn is a good place to start if you’re looking for work. However, there are other social media options.
The following summarizes a few of the social media options you may want to consider if you are interested in networking, finding employment opportunities and/or building your personal brand.
Twitter is a microblogging site where you post your thoughts and opinions in 140 characters or less. These are called “tweets”. You can “tweet” your ideas or share information and links. Tweeting will help build your brand and expand your network. You can also use your Twitter account to “follow” people; this allows you to read tweets. This will help you stay current and connected with people in your network. If you’re looking for work, you can follow key people and companies in your field to learn about resources and current trends. You may also find job postings. Some job seekers follow recruiters, employment counsellors or agencies. For more information you could search: “Twitter for Job Search”.
Facebook tends to be more of a casual place for connecting and networking. You can use Facebook to stay connected with your “Friends” by posting comments and by reading what others have posted. If you’re looking for work, you can post your employment status and let people know the type of work you’re looking for. Facebook also has a job search app you may want to explore. For more information visit the CNET report and video on the Facebook Job Search App.
Blogs
The word “blog” is short for “weblog”. Blogs provide a place on the Internet where you can share information with people who have similar interests. You can read and comment on blog posts written by others, or you can start your own blog. If you are interested in working for a company, check their website to see if they have included a link to their blog. To find blogs in your field, you can use a blog search engine. Visit About.com to find a list of blog search engines. If you want to start your own blog, you can use free blogging software. For more information, try searching: “Blog software reviews”.
E-portfolios or Online Career Portfolios
If you would like to create an online career portfolio, you may want to consider researching free software, such as “Mahara”. For more information, you could search: “Online career portfolios”.
YouTube
YouTube can be a great resource. For example, if you want to learn how to use blogging software there are many “how-to” videos available. If you’re interested in working for a company, check their website to see if there is a YouTube link. You could also try searching YouTube for videos posted by people in your field. Some job seekers post their own “Video Résumé” describing their work and educational experiences. For more information you could search: “Video résumés” for tips on creating a professional video presentation of your skills.
This site offers a place for you to add images, photos and links. As a job seeker you can use Pinterest to build your brand. This site is ideal if your field is visual because you can show examples of your work. Search to see if there are companies in your field with a “board” or consider creating one of your own. To learn more about Pinterest, check out this Globe and Mail article about Pinterest for job seekers.
Final note: Always assume that a potential employer will see the things you’ve posted online, including the pictures you post to your Facebook page.
For more information about the power of social media, check out this Forbes article about social media and job search.