social media for job search
DESCRIPTION
For MHANJTRANSCRIPT
Social Media as an Effective Job Search Tool
Presented by Michele Martinwww.discoverabilitynj.org
@michelemmartin
I’m Michele
Our Agenda
• Today’s Hiring Environment• Personal Branding Online (including privacy)• Social Media for Finding Job Leads and
Researching Companies• Job Board Do’s and Don’ts• Google Tools for Organizing the Job Search
THE HIRING ENVIRONMENT
Promoting from Within
Less Pressure to Hire
Multiple Hiring
Sources
Too Many Applicants
Employers and Social Media
Employers Use Social Media To. . .
1. Screen applicants (mostly out)2. Announce job openings3. Source qualified applicants
Implications for Job Seekers
• Need positive online presence/ “brand”• Join and participate in online networks to
make connections and “be seen.” • Utilize social media to find job leads– Networking/referrals– Job postings
Social Media and Personal Branding
Elements of the Brand
• Personal Appearance• Competencies• Personality &
Attitude• “Differentiators”• Personal Parameters
The “Big 4”
Can I Count On You?
Are You Qualified?
Will You Fit In?
Will You Stand Out?
Communicating Your Online Brand
• LinkedIn• Facebook• Twitter• Online Portfolio (Wiki)
• Professional social network
• Way to research businesses and individuals
• Professional “branding” opportunity
Basics
1. Sign Up for an Account
2. Create Your Profile
3. Add New Sections
Your Profile
• Complete the entire profile!• Upload a professional photo• Have a great headline• Highlight accomplishments, not
responsibilities• Set Profile to “Public” • Link to other online tools (Twitter, Slideshare,
etc.)
4. Get Recommendations
Requesting a Recommendation
• Select carefully• Send personalized request• Provide some guidance on what they should
highlight for your job search• Try GIVING one first!
5. Make Connections!
6. Meet their connections. . .
Building Your Network• Join and participate in Groups—great way to get to
people for connections!
• Be a good “neighbor”--update your status, share articles, make referrals, give advice.
• Ask for introductions from your 1st level contacts to get to 2nd and 3rd level connections.
• For 3rd level connections, join groups they belong to and interact via the group
7. Interact!
• Update status with professional info/announcements
• Review newsfeed and comment/respond to activity.
• Join groups and respond to discussions.• Share links to online resources that are useful
to your network/profession.
1. Clean up “digital dirt”2. Project positive image
Facebook Posting
• Remove all photos that are not “professional”• Untag yourself in photos that are
unprofessional.• Review timeline and delete posts/comments
that reflect poorly in job search• Review Fan Pages you’ve “liked” and “unlike”
inappropriate pages• Review apps/games
Facebook Privacy
• You have to choose privacy• If you need to go on “Lock Down”– Settings at “Friends” or “Only Me” (through
“custom” in settings page) for posting– Limit audiences for past posts– Disable public search – Disable searches by email address
Positive Strategies
• Use status updates to connect, let people know about job search, comment on professional issues.
• Revise profile to emphasize professional/ educational accomplishments
• Share links/resources• Choose friends wisely• Join and get active in
groups and on Fan Pages that are connected to your profession and/or to companies that interest you
Personal Brands on Twitter
Twitter for Branding
• Professional photo/background• Share professional resources with followers• Provide tips, advice, etc. • Connect people• RT and DM people• Participate in #chats
Wiki Portfolio
Wikispaces.com
• Can upload documents and images• Can embed PowerPoint, video• Use to share:– Introductory video– Work samples– Certificates– Recommendations
Finding Job Leads
http://www.google.com/alerts
Keywords
• Names of companies • Names of key people in organization• Industries• Key skills/certifications• Industry trends
More Ideas
• Search for all target companies to see if you have 1st or 2nd level contacts.
• Search for people with your skills in industry you are targeting to see where they work.
• Build “weak” ties—more likely to give you leads.
• Strengthen weak ties to strong ties—will go to bat for you.
Finding Leads on Facebook
• Company Fan Pages• Job Board Pages• Facebook Applications• Networking with friends
BEWARE—You’re mixing personal/professional on Facebook!
Twitjobsearch.com
Tweetmyjobs.com
#hashtags
Researching Companies
Why Research?
• Who’s in your network?• Customized job search tools• Interview prep• Culture match
Company Search
Company Profiles
Company Profiles
Other Options
• Google Alerts for target companies• Company Career websites• Twitter—company and hiring managers• Fan Pages
Job Boards
The Challenges
• Many openings outdated• Multiple postings for one opening• Too much competition• Employers find least qualified applicants here• Employers using boards less
Disability “Niche” Boards
• Pros– More targeted to people
with disabilities
• Cons– Disability first, person
second– May be advertised to
satisfy EEOC/ADA requirements
– Only a subset of available jobs
Tips• Don’t spend a lot of time on boards—LEAST
effective form of job search• Use boards primarily for research• Search locally and specifically• Use industry/occupational “niche” boards
where possible• Find lead:– Do you know someone at the company?
– Go directly to company website to apply
LinkedIn Companion
Online Job Scams
• Company asks you to share personal, credit card or bank info, including SSN, bank account info, etc.
• You’re asked to send money• You’re offered a job without an application,
interview, etc. • Company email is not a primary domain (e.g.
Organizing the Job Search
Some Tools
• Gmail• Google Drive• Google Calendar
Priority Inbox
Gmail Labels
Gmail Tasks
Commenting
Sharing
Editing
FORMS
Other Features
• Share calendars with others• Invite people to add item to their calendars• Have reminders sent to cell phone• Set to automatically email daily agenda each
morning• Embed calendars in other websites• Can enable attachments to events