Using Social Networking Sites To Help Your Job Search
There has been an explosion in the popularity of on-line communities where people can network, exchange information and ideas as well as advertise their wares.
An on-line presence on sites such as LinkedIn has become essential for any business professional who wants to be visible to others in their business community. LinkedIn also has many sub-groups that are occupational or sector based. These act not only as an invaluable information grapevine, but are also the hunting ground for recruiters looking to source candidates.
Exclusive networking sites such as those run by your professional institute, educational alumni or business memberships are also useful forums to join.
How to advertise yourself on a Social Networking Site
Many of these sites suggest you use one of their on-line CV builders. This will gather and display information on your career change history, qualifications etc. Do not be misled into taking an informal approach to selling your skills. Do the full sales pitch in your profile and use lots of key words relevant to your role or industry, as this is how recruiters will search for suitable candidates.
You can also usually include a link to a personal website page if you have one so that people can find out more about your work and what you do.
Some of the sites also let you add recommendations from other people. It’s great to have some testimonials attached to your profile as they can be a very powerful endorsement of your capabilities.
Add a good quality, business-orientated photograph to your profile and avoid jokey or casual photos which can send out the wrong message.
How to network via a social networking site
These sites have powerful search engines which can help you track down individuals and companies that are of interest to you. Use key words yourself to try and find individuals who can help you e.g. asking advice from someone working in a company that you would like to join.
You can also contribute articles, advice, opinions and questions on the discussion forums in order to raise your visibility in a particular area and gather information on a specific topic.
Where do I find the relevant sites?
Listed below are some of the key social networking sites. However, this is such a dynamic area that there are bound to be new ones emerging, merging or disappearing all the time.
Ecademy Perfspot
FaceBook Plaxo
LinkedIn Tagged Friends Reunited
MySpace Twitter
Also check out sites that are exclusive in terms of membership e.g. your educational alumni, professional institutes etc.
A word of warning!
While social networking sites present excellent opportunities for recruitment, it also means that employers, both current and prospective, have become extremely sensitive to their employees’ web-presence.
The public nature of many of these websites and discussion forums, means that any information you have posted under your own name, is potentially accessible. Even with privacy controls, it is impossible to guarantee control over who has access to your posted information and who does not.
It is very easy for HR professionals or managers to research potential candidates on the internet. They simply put your name in their preferred search engine. Why not try looking yourself up in this way. You may be surprised at what comes up. Some recruiters do this search as a matter of course. They may or may not tell you that they are doing so. You can understand from their perspective that it’s desirable and convenient to conduct this check before hiring a new recruit.
Given that some social websites like Face book are predominantly for social purposes, it is common for people to talk about their personal life. Do you really want an employer to know how you hated working for your last boss or see a photo of you drunk at a party?
Before you post any information in your own name on the web, consider whether you would be happy to have this information published in a national newspaper where your family, friends, current and future employers could see it. If not, then change it.
Summary
• On-line social network sites have become an essential forum to advertise your skills
• Aim to impress with a full sales pitch and testimonials
• Use keywords so that recruiters can find you
• Find others on-line who can help you
• Raise your profile by participating in forums, asking questions etc
Questions and Answers
Do you run your personal career management firm or are contemplating to establish one? This is indeed a bold effort. Career management is a very profitable business venture because a lot of people aren't happy and are unsatisfied with their present careers.
Career development training can open up many professional opportunities, and are frequently used by those seeking to climb the corporate ladder. This training includes varied career development programs which helps you to learn new skills, and make innovative improvements to grow you in your career. The Injazat Institute (Ti2), one of the leading Career Development, Training & Management institution in Abu Dhabi, UAE will unlock and maximize your career potential.
When most people think of career development they think of employees planning out the future of their career life. However, career development is an important part of managing a business as well. Read this article to learn what career development means for employers and how it can help your bottom line.
Career development is actually a path that helps you choose the career that you would like to pursue. It includes all the various steps that you would have to undertake in order to advance in your chosen career.
Career Development has become a primary responsibility and an essential requirement for every individual in any organization. A profound career development skill can help an individual to meet the constantly changing needs of the market. For more information visit: www.hclcdc.in
Making a career in career management is not an easy task. This means providing guidance to those who are tired of searching right type of career for themselves. It involves giving them proper guidance and making them realize what they want...what things they are good at...what they need to get success etc. One thing that you must consider before entering the world of career development is management studies.
Teaching English abroad in Vietnam is a unique experience for anyone who seeks to explore a beautiful country with a rich heritage. You may find people who say that it is not difficult to find jobs in Saigon, but the converse is true. It depends on where and how you conduct your search.
Thailand is a beautiful country with an expanding opportunity to teachers seeking opportunities to travel and teach. The steady demand for native English speakers means that any confident applicant with basic teaching skills can secure employment without difficulties.
Doctor jobs are growing in demand. Canadian research discovered that over four million Canadians lack a family physician Because four million Canadians don't have a family physician, the need for physicians is enormous Provinces throughout Canada are desperate to fill these vacancies.
Although Singapore is an island nation, it has grown to become a modern and efficient first world model country in Asia too. The infrastructure is remarkable and education sector largely successful.
Malaysia is a beautiful country with a thriving tourism industry. Like other emerging countries in Asia, the education sector spurs the knowledge-based economy. The education reforms have been instrumental in producing a quality workforce that satisfies the professional demands of various industries.
Hospital management profession is the new feather attached to conventional healthcare jobs in India. The article talks about and what and how aspirants should capitalize on this booming sector.
For a student, interested in management studies, selection of a good college is the must. Here are the fundamentals to help you find top class management colleges in India.
With the advent of tourism culture being promoted in India, a number of public and private initiatives have been taken accordingly. These results in number of tourism courses come into place. Here is a short guide on its evolution and course details.
Healthcare industry in India is booming like anything that leaves enough scope for youngsters to build their career in this segment. Here are the driving factors that can encourage you to opt this as an excellent career opportunity.
If you have the knack of interacting with people and feel joy in serving them, hospitality management career is always a wise choice. Learn how to prepare yourself both educationally and mentally.
Discuss this Article
