Looking for the perfect job or internship can be very stressful; but if you know how to navigate the search, it’s not that bad. Furthermore, now you can make the process fun by using online channels our generation understands better than any other: social media.
Here are a few tips to nail that dream job or internship using social media outlets:
1. LinkedIn
If you are not already on LinkedIn, than you definitely need to be. LinkedIn allows you to connect online with professionals you know and your profile is an online resume. Through this website you can look through high quality, professional job postings; email all the contacts within your network; and link blog posts to your profile. You can also post status updates and have recommendations on your profile. Make sure your profile is current because you never know what job posting or connections you could find (or could find you) tomorrow.
2. Twitter
Twitter is a great networking tool because it allows you to connect with people you don’t know, based on common interests.
It is very easy to get in touch and feel connected to someone at a company you could potentially work for just by following them and reading their bio. Through this channel, you can get a snapshot into a person’s role and function at a company.
You can also follow people or groups on Twitter that will post job openings or opportunities depending on your location or specialization interests. Some examples of these Twitter profiles are @jobsmedical, @NewAtlantaJobs, @jobsintech and @LittleRock_Jobs. However, because there are tons of these, trying doing a quick Google search of your interests.
One of the best pieces of advice I got through my job searching was from a friend who said to tweet at the companies to which you are applying. Some specialized businesses care more about presence on social media sites than resumes.
3. Facebook
Companies and recruiters can look you up on Facebook just as easily as can the guy you met last night. For this reason, social media can be almost as dangerous to a job search as it is helpful. This means that it is imperative that your Facebook is clean and is portraying your professional persona–the one you want companies to see. The best advice is to make your profile private. However, if you are not willing to do that, some good guidelines to follow are as listed: have a professional profile picture; if you are underage, don’t have pictures of you drinking alcohol; and if you are of age, make sure those alcohol and party pictures are limited.
There you have it, Collegiettes. Becoming a pro at social media could help you land your dream job in no time–good luck!
Sources
LinkedIn (photo): Forbes, http://www.forbes.com/sites/tomiogeron/2011/10/05/linkedin-acquires-social-crm-company-connected/
Twitter (photo): http://tweepi.com/blog/2011/04/10-advanced-twitter-tips-tricks/
Facebook (photo): Legalmarketingmaven, http://legalmarketingmaven.com/trying-to-keep-your-facebook-page-professional-turn-off-tagging