Social Networking (i.e. Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Linked-in, and yes, even blogging) have been getting a bad wrap when it comes to your job search. I, along with many others, think that my pages are just for fun with my friends, I didn’t start it to look for a job, but employers might look to that as a factor in hiring you.
Is it ethical and fair? No, but who is going to stop them from looking at your information if it is out there in the open?
- Privacy settings. Utilize your privacy settings so if you have things you might not want a potential employer to see, it’s not just out there in the open.
Employers can even find ways around this. They can have interns add you as friends, so be aware of adding just anyone to your friends list, and just be careful what you expose about yourself on the internet.
So what are things you can do if employers do go on the internet search wagon for you?
You can Utilize Social Networking for your job search
- Create a professional profile. Put things in there that you would want people to see. Put links to your portfolio, or your website that may feature your resume. Post pictures of yourself doing charity events, or helping around the community.
- Share your professional knowledge. The great thing about social networking is the interaction with others. Give advice to others in your same field, and network and make connections. You can also learn from these people and use that knowledge in interviews!
- Search for job opportunities. There are actually job boards on social networking sites that are legit! Not to say all jobs posted are legit, you have to do your research a little, but you can connect with the person that posted it, and maybe they know some tips about landing the interview.
- Connect with employers. Many companies have pages on social networking sites now. That’s an invitation to connect with them. Find out more about the company and find out if it’s somewhere you really want to be. You can make great connections this way and maybe get that foot in the door you’ve been looking for.
- Employment wanted. No one is going to know you are looking for a job if you don’t tell them. Put it out there, and you might be surprised at the results. For the most part people are willing to help, especially if they might be helping out a friend by referring you.
If you aren’t sure what you’ve posted is good, message me, and I will take a look at it for you. We even have services that allow you to create online portfolios, or link to your resume…saves you some work!
Your friend,
Career Queen Kathy Green
08/04/2009 at 9:21 am Permalink
Good post! and good ideas 🙂
08/04/2009 at 1:54 pm Permalink
In my office, its pretty much standard practice to at least Google a job applicant. Most of the time a MySpace or Facebook profile, that has zero privacy settings, turns up.
It is by NO means the end all say all when deciding who to hire but it IS great information for employers. USE THIS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE!
Pictures of you doing keg stands or dropping the “F” bomb in all of your comments isn’t going to help you get that job counseling at risk youth…
On the other hand! Pictures of you participating in a Habitat for Humanity could go a long way.
09/04/2009 at 8:15 am Permalink
You would be surprised how far employers will dig on Google to find the dirt. However, it’s very beneficial to use social networking and social media to supplement your resume. Resumes are pieces of paper. Your online portfolio and persona make you real!
09/04/2009 at 9:49 pm Permalink
Nice article. I will add that while it is important to be professional it is also very important to be a real person with interests, creativity, and personality. You want to be someone who is memorable–but in a good way. I have a blog post about this very thing called “Mullets and Your Social Media Image.” Check it out at http://www.examiner.com/x-3566-Oklahoma-City-Job-Search-Examiner~y2009m3d24-Mullets–Your-Social-Media-Image
Regards,
Jessica Miller-Merrell
@blogging4jobs