When someone hears the word social media, their mind automatically wanders to judgmental memories of past teeny Facebook conversations and useless Twitter updates from famous celebrities. However, there is a hidden world to social media that is rapidly emerging- that of professionals looking to further, and perhaps even begin their career. It’s easy to optimize your social media networks to your advantage, especially if you know how. This article will delineate ten important steps in the modern way of finding employment.
1. Monitor your personal posts
Nothing screams unprofessional like a dramatic Facebook fight with your ex. Try to keep the more raunchy, vernacular loaded sides of your life out of the public spectrum when possible, in order to maintain a respectable and professional internet presence. If absolutely necessary, make good use of the status filters. They’re available for a reason.
2. Make a LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is a social media site that professionals use to keep in contact with others in their field. However, those seeking employment can use it as an interactional resume, which is an excellent advantages. Make sure to use it daily for maximum benefit.
3. Utilize the contacts you already have
Perhaps you have a professor in college that favored you, or an old boss realized your immense potential. These are exactly the kinds of people you want to reference you to a job, use them to your advantage.
4. Make yourself known to prospective employers
Write articles, post statues, and tweet about your field of interest. If you’ve done business with a potential boss, let them know. Politeness and sincerity can go a long way in your search. If you don’t get a reply the first time, or they simply respond with a police no, don’t push them. It’s bound to backfire.
5. Don’t annoy your way into (or out of) a job
There is often a fine line between enthusiasm and spamming. If you’re too aggressive with your job listings, it can alienate your contacts and potential employer, which is the last thing you want to do. Be assertive, not annoying, and remember you can and should take no for an answer.
6. Create a dream list of employers, businesses, and professional fields
Setting a goal is an important step, and in this case it offers an extra advantage if you follow these sites using social media. Not only do you see the latest and greatest trends, but you also let them know you’re there and interested.
7. Stand out from the crowd
In addition to your traditional black and white resume, include infographics you’ve made yourself, links to your most popular (but appropriate) websites, and other information a potential employer might find interesting.
8. Make new contacts
It’s always wonderful to have references and contacts, but some employers may want recent references. As you network on virtual sites, make a good connection. These people may be your future co-workers, professional acquaintances, or even a boss.
9. Proofread, spellcheck, proofread, and share for good measure
It’s easy to overlook slight spelling or grammatical errors when you know your content is good. Always make sure to proofread, spellcheck and proofread again before you e-mail or share any professional content. Maybe have a literary-inclined friend can go over it once more, just to make sure.
10. Broadcast any professional memberships and organizations you may have, and participate in them frequently
Are you in the market for a curating position at your local museum? Highlight your continued interest and contributions to the National Historical Society. Participate in message boards, forums, or other sites in your preferred field. This will help to convince a potential employer of your expertise, as engender new contacts.
11. Never, under any circumstances, publicly bash your previous employers
If anything shows awful work ethic, it would be crude undercuts or excuses on your part. It’s easy to type out a witty impertinence in the heat of the moment, but remember, once you put it out there, it’s out there forever. Take heed as well as responsibility for your past actions, especially online.