Gone are the days of aggressively searching through newspaper job sections and faxing dozens of resumes to HR departments.
The job search process has undergone a significant transformation in just a decade. Today, new tactics such as networking are proving to be much more effective.
This article covers how to use LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to establish a positive online presence and brand yourself, as well as the importance of identifying your strengths, finding the right fit, setting goals, and evaluating your interview performance.
Mastering the Job Hunt –
How Social Media Networking Can Make the Difference
The job market is becoming increasingly competitive. Job seekers need to adopt new techniques for job searching. Online networking using social media networks has emerged as an effective job search tactic.
Therefore, use the following 12 modern job search strategies and start networking on social media platforms –
1. Identifying Your Strengths
No matter what your job experience or age, you need to identify what you do well, and what you are great at because this is where you will shine. List four of your top traits and focus on them on your resume and during the job interview.
This is your best kept secret – your strengths.
2. Finding the Right Fit
Look for companies that are a good match for your skills, experience, and even your personality.
Finding the job you love begins with targeting companies you would love to work for. Look for companies that align with your values, and where you can see yourself thriving.
3. Setting Goals for Your Job Search
Be positive and proactive about your job search procedure.
Establish goals, and make sure you allot enough time every week to both search and apply for jobs. Searching for a job can be exhausting, and if you don’t hear anything quickly, you can become discouraged. By having your goals and a productive plan, you’ll feel more in control.
4. Researching the Job Market
You need to make use of any tool available online (and any offline resource) to locate the job openings of your interest.
That is why you may need to learn about the new job market trends and the current job search techniques. One also has to network to contact people that may help in finding jobs that aren’t posted.
5. Networking – Communication and Engagement
Networking is an essential part of personal branding.
You should reach out to past and present colleagues, bosses, professional contacts, and friends to establish connections on Social Media networks. Personalized communication is critical, and positive recommendations can be a powerful tool.
Branding and marketing are keys – Today’s job search is not about what you do, but who you are, what you can offer, and how you brand and package yourself.
You need to learn how to make the most out of social networking to increase the chances of getting a job interview.
6. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is one of the most significant tools for you as a job seeker today. With millions of people from around the world, LinkedIn lets you highlight your skills and your value to potential employers.
To be effective on LinkedIn, you need to create a comprehensive profile that includes a detailed summary, a professional picture, a list of accomplishments, and links to your blog, Twitter account, or personal website.
You should also update your profile regularly and provide professional status updates at least a couple of times a week.
7. Twitter and Facebook
You need to use Twitter and Facebook to establish a positive online presence. You should set up your profiles so that potential employers have access only to relevant information and not to your personal information.
You should follow companies you are interested in working for and share personal information.
8. Use of Keywords on Social Networks
You need to use keywords to find specific employers or for employers to find your resume. Keywords are essential when using social networking sites such as LinkedIn or Twitter to find potential candidates.
9. Industry Involvement
You should join trade associations and organizations, government agencies, and companies you may be interested in working for on Facebook or other social networks.
You should customize your biography to include your skills and use keywords.
10. Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Find how you stand out in a crowd.
These days every position has a number of qualified applicants. You need to be able to brand yourself so that you stand out among the other applicants. What differentiates you from them? Find your uniqueness and use that to go get the job you want.
Remember, your resume is your full-page ad so use it wisely.
11. Evaluating Your Interview Performance
Asking yourself – “Did I get that job?” If you find the answer is no, look to your interview to find out where things may have gone wrong.
Were you dressed appropriately, and were you dressed age-appropriately? Did your energy match the position? Did you discuss outcomes? Did your experience shine?
Dissect the job description line by line and make notes of where you think went well and where you think it may have fallen apart.
12. Following Up After the Interview
Many job seekers neglect to follow up after the interview. When the hiring manager is having a tough time deciding between two candidates, this little trick can make the job land in your lap rather than in the other party’s lap.
Leave a voice mail or drop an email within three days. Within a week, send a thank you through snail mail.
In Conclusion,
Networking is an essential part of your job search process today. Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook provide you with an effective platform to establish connections, showcase your skills, and learn about job opportunities.
You need to embrace new job search techniques and use them to your advantage.
By following the tips provided in this article, you can significantly increase your chances of landing a job interview and securing your dream job.