Best Social Media Sites For Job Searching
Networking is one of the most important components of job searching. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 70% of all jobs are found through networking. According to the Society of Human Resource Management, at least 84% of employers are using social media as a recruitment tool with an additional 9% planning to do so in the future.
Courting passive candidates, those not actively seeking employment, was the main reason for employers tapping social media.
Use these top social and professional networking sites below to enhance your career and boost your job search.
Social Networking Sites for Job Seekers
1. LinkedIn
LinkedIn, with 530 million current users, is considered the top spot for people looking for work. However, many users don’t take the necessary steps to maximize their chances, including optimizing their profile, creating their network, joining groups, incorporating work samples, and accumulating endorsements. Make sure that you reach out to first, second, and third-degree connections for information, advice, and introductions to hiring managers. Join professional groups related to your interests and contribute to discussions to enhance your visibility as a potential candidate.
LinkedIn is also a great source for accessing job postings. The search results include a listing of jobs that correspond to your interests and also a list of individuals in your network who might be able to refer you to relevant jobs.
Alumni from your college who are working at the employers advertising jobs will also be noted on your results list.
2. Facebook
Many employers will place job advertisements on Facebook. You can find these opportunities by searching for “Jobs on Facebook” in the search window on the site. However, the greatest value of Facebook is the opportunity to solicit the assistance of your contacts with your job search.
Ask if your contacts are aware of any jobs related to your interests and also request that your friends provide referrals to any people who they know in your field for advice and information relevant to your job transition. Join groups of people with common interests and network with them. Be careful how you proceed if you are currently employed and have Facebook contacts who might report your activity to your employer.
3. Instagram
Instagram is a good way to establish your personal brand while demonstrating your social media skills and enhancing your overall digital savvy. It’s also a smart way to glean information and insights about a company where you might want to work. Did an employee post a pic of “massage Mondays” and you’re a corporate masseuse?
Does a company showcase “Fajita Fridays” special and you’re a Mexican chef? Instagram is a great way to see inside a company to then demonstrate how you’d be a good fit. Instagram also provides a vehicle for you to post visual representations related to your professional or academic projects.
4. Twitter
Active Twitter users can promote their professional brand by posting information of interest to individuals in their field. One benefit of Twitter is the free-flowing communication that allows you to talk directly to recruiters and hiring managers without the need to submit a resume first.
Search for #recruiters and other keywords related to your industry.
However, while Twitter is an excellent networking tool, you need to support your efforts with a blog or LinkedIn profile. No one will hire you simply based on a Twitter profile–to start they’ll need a link providing them with more information about you.
5. Google+
According to Statistic Brain, Google+ had 395,250,000 active users in September 2017. Job seekers can connect with people that they know and communicate with groups of individuals through “circles” of contacts. Those networks can be tapped for referrals professionals who might share information, advice and job leads.
Users can join communities based on their career interests and view content about trends/issues in those sectors and communicate with individuals who are professionally active in those niches.
6. YouTube
YouTube is an excellent vehicle for incorporating video samples of your work, as well as evidence of your communication skills or personality into your job search. Of course, musicians, actors, teachers, consultants, and trainers have used the site for years to promote their skills. Many other job seekers can benefit from creating a video profile that showcases their persona and demonstrates their career-related skills. Examples might include an “elevator speech” summarizing your interests and assets targeted towards a career field of interest or a brief show and tell regarding a successful academic or work project.
YouTube touts a user base of over one billion individuals. Job seekers can post videos on YouTube to attract the attention of employers or link YouTube videos to their job search communications or other social media sites like LinkedIn or Facebook.
7. Pinterest
Pinterest claims over 125 million active monthly users. The site will be most useful for creative types like interior decorators, artists, and graphic designers who can post visual representations of their work. The site is heavily trafficked by women, so professionals like contractors who wish to promote their services to women are likely to accrue the greatest benefit from the site.
