5 Tips For Using Social Media To Land a Job

In 2008, three months after giving birth to my second son, I was laid off from my Marketing Management position.

It hurt, stung a bit.

But I decided that I was going to turn this opportunity into something bigger.

At that point I had almost eight years experience running a marketing department and decided to turn to the Internet to help me figure out my next step.

I dove into social media with a baby in my arms and a toddler on my hip and never looked back.

Four years later, I’m proud of where my journey has led me.

I’m able to participate in school parties, cuddle during nap time and wipe tears while working in an industry I love.

I’ve had a lot of opportunities come my way {community management positions, social media director, brand ambassadorships, trips, etc.} and the excitement of building a social media business.

But my journey is not over. It’s only beginning.

I made a few changes at the end of 2011 and I am looking for a new opportunity.

According to SocialTalk, 36.6 million Americans say that they landed their current job via social media.

That 36.6 million can be broken down as follows:  18.4 million Americans say they got their current job via Facebook, 8 million via Twitter and 10.2 million via LinkedIn.  These people account for 16 percent of all employees, up from 11 percent in 2010.

Here are 5 tips that will help you land your next job using social media:

Tip #1: Evaluate Your Profiles

As you expand your social media presence, you’ll need to create profiles/bios via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.

Make sure they provide useful information and gives a potential employer a snapshot of who you are.

Also, make sure that your profiles are consistent across all social media platforms.

Remember you are the brand.

Tip #2: Get Active

The best way to find a job via social media is to use it! Get active on twitter, join conversations, share interesting articles, support others and ask questions.

You want your name to come up in the streams and show potential employers you are active and sharing relevant information.

Tip #3: Follow and Interactive with Companies

Are there companies that you would love to work with? Start following them on twitter and interacting with them.

Don’t be afraid to send them a DM letting them know you love their brand and to see if there are any open opportunities.

I’ve started a few conversations this way. While some of them didn’t turn into opportunities right away, they did down the line.

I kept the relationship going by showing my support for the brand.

Tips #4: Use Your Network

This is something that took me awhile to feel comfortable doing. But why?

You work hard to build up a loyal following, so you should reach out to them.

Personal referrals are huge in landing a job and if your network doesn’t know you are looking, then how can they help?

I recently did this on Facebook and was shocked. Within minutes I had over 16 comments:

 

Tip #5 Get On LinkedIn

LinkedIn is specifically designed for professional networking, building your network and highlighting your skills and experience.

Make sure to let your title work for you and use keywords for the job type you are seeking.

I notice when I am active on LinkedIn, I get more followers. I’ve also been contacted by a few companies through LinkedIn.

Join forums and offer your advice, tips and ask questions. Again, this helps get your name out there.

Here are a few tips to improve your LinkedIn profile.

 

Social media is where the employers are and where they’re investing.

I love this story about how Jessica Smith used twitter to land her dream job.

While it’s a few years old, it’s a great reminder of how powerful social media can be and that “big brother” is always watching!

I’d love to hear success stories of landing a job through social media and how you did this. It’s a great way to help others and give them encouragement.

Or do you have any tips to add?

 

{Photo Credit}

 

Tagged as: business, job hunting, new media, social networking