This post is a recap of the January 20, 2020, Hudson Job Search presentation.
In the classic fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel,” the children carefully left a trail of breadcrumbs to help them find their way out of the dark forest. Whether you realize it or not, much like those breadcrumbs, your social media presence (or lack thereof) can help – or hinder – potential employers and recruiters from finding their way to you!
Most folks agree that the majority of good jobs are found through networking, but today that doesn’t always mean meeting potential employers face-to-face. Today, companies are increasingly using social networks to search for potential candidates, validate their authenticity, determine a cultural fit, and engage with potential employees.
Before you roll your eyes or say your social media accounts are “personal” vs. “professional” consider how many people you interact with on a weekly basis, primarily on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. Now consider how many people those people interact with. This number is your access to the “hidden job market” – that is, the roughly 75%-80% of ALL JOBS not advertised on job boards like Indeed, Monster, etc.
Tricks, tips, and tactics to transform your job search with social media:
The Big Three.
While there are dozens of social media networks, the top three for any job seeker to have are: LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, and If you don’t have accounts, create them. It’s free! Review your existing accounts to evaluate the image (both words and pictures) you are presenting.
Make a Professional Impression.
Ensure your accounts reflect the professional image you desire. Is your head shot professional? Do you have unique head shots for each network that present you as a real human being vs. a one-sided “posed” person? Are you promoting the value you bring to employers with a brief career summary? Can they imagine you as a member of their team? Are you letting your unique personality come through?
Scrub Your Social.
While you want your social accounts to be attractive to potential employers, they can see through the “I am looking for a job” accounts. Realize the dynamic tool these networks can be to you. It’s true that your personal pages demonstrate to employers what you do when you think no one is watching. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a personal life. At the same time, do you need to clean up your act? Delete political posts? Hide personal photos from the recent rowdy weekend? Unfriend those whose association with you could hurt your efforts? DO IT NOW!
Engage.
Follow/like companies and key individuals who interest you. Leave meaningful comments on their posts and share your own thoughts that let your intellect and personality come through. Engaging with individuals at those organizations (without asking for a job) can go a long way to get you noticed when the time is right. As long as you are authentic and add perspective, sharing news from those companies and tagging the company in your post will get your name on their radar and may get you followed back. Then, when it comes time to ask for a meeting, apply to a job, or have that interview, your name may already be at the top of their list.
The final word
Social media is not just about sharing funny cat videos! Amplify your professional presence and lead employers your way using the power triad of social networks: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. A professional headshot, a brief one-liner stating the distinct value you bring, and engaging (following/liking/posting) with your favorite companies can help open the digital door to your dream job! To learn more, register at Ohio Means Jobs Center, 1040 East Tallmadge Ave., Akron, OH, 44310 | 330.633.1050 and attend Rico’s free 2-hour Social Media Workshop. Click here for upcoming workshop dates, and registration requirements.
Save the Date for the Next Hudson Job Search Meeting!
Hudson Job Search meets the first and third Monday evenings at Christ Church Episcopal, 21 Aurora St. with sign-in and networking at 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. The meeting is from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. All our events are free of charge and open to anyone who lives and works in the greater NEO area, whether you currently have a job or not. No need to register in advance, but seating is limited to approximately 40 individuals. Please dress business casual. Park behind the church and come to the Parish Hall. Visit our Events link for upcoming meeting topics.