How to Use Social Networking to Land a Job NOW

By Sherrie Madia

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy

Whether you're new to the workforce, or newly unemployed, today's job search is quite different from the job search environment of even five years ago. While the job market is tight, job hunters have more opportunity than ever before to find a job by employing an online strategy to enable targeted and efficient job search. If you're a bit uncertain about the online space, have no fear. If you can shop online, or navigate the web, you can use social media to find a job NOW.

REVERSE ENGINEER YOUR JOB SEARCH

Rather than sending resumes en masse, social networking enables job seekers to plant content seeds strategically in places where human resources will likely be. Today's corporate hiring decisions are more critical than ever, so human resource representatives must make careful hires-This means they are likely to be more diligent in exploring credentials. This spells opportunity for job seekers who are able to establish themselves as thought leaders or experts in their chosen field. To position yourself as this valuable candidate, give your expertise freely by posting insightful comments on blogs, or by answering questions on LinkedIn. People will appreciate this value and will tend to return the favor by thinking of you when a job opening arises.

SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY IS AN ADDED SKILL TO SHOWCASE

When using social networking for job search, you build both your online presence, and a set of skills that employers will find valuable. Your ability to write with clarity in a blog, showcase photos and video, tweet effectively, and so forth makes you that much more attractive to recruiters. So rather than using your skills for vacation photos or the well-made video for friends and family alone, try applying these skills on behalf of your job search. Regardless of job type, company size, or industry, every company today needs employees who are skilled in social media. Therefore, those who bring industry expertise and social media savvy have the distinct advantage in the job market.

START WITH YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE

According to Coremetrics (2010), 75% of companies require recruiters to research job applicants online, so you'll want to be sure you know what they'll find. Start with a Google search on your name. Many job seekers are (a) surprised to find they even have a presence; and (b) surprised by the content that floats to the surface-that photo from Facebook meant for friends alone, or the negative comment you offered on a blog two years ago. When possible, remove content that doesn't align with the image you want to project. If you find that you don't have an online presence, start by determining where you'd like to work, and the image you'd like to project. Then, position yourself as an expert in your industry. The key is to be authentic, so be sure that the image you are projecting is sustainable. That is, if you present yourself as a rock star online, be prepared to be that rock star on the interview as well. The key: Be realistic, and work to highlight-not overhype-the skills that you have.