Using the Social Media Giant to find a Job

Using Social Media as part of your overall job search tool kit is just plain smart.  The easiest form of social media in which to complete a job search is, hands down, LinkedIn.  There are a number of paths to follow within the structure of LinkedIn.  Let’s discuss a few and how to proceed.

First, you need to create a profile.  Make sure it is 100% complete.  Ask for recommendations from former supervisors or others who know your work, fill in your education and previous employment, and go for the gusto when it comes to making sure your profile is brimming with information that will show potential employers your skills and expertise.  Let this serve as your “best” on-line resume. Include job duties as well as your accomplishments.  Make sure it is professional and provides answers should recruiters hone in on your profile.

The profile includes an area that boasts what you are working on now – changing it daily or weekly reminds people that you are out there, as any changes to your profile shows up on your connections home page.  It keeps you in the “limelight” so to speak.

You never know when just having a profile on LinkedIn could end up getting you a job.  Let’s say that a potential client or employer searches one of your former employers company name.  In that search your name is “linked” and the person conducting the search finds you.  You get connected and you may just get a job or a new client.

Second, build your connections. Begin with co-workers, former bosses, fellow volunteers, former classmates and others you know who have profiles.  Start the networking process by looking at those people to whom your connections are connected.  Once you have found all of the people you know, search for people to whom you would like to be linked.  Remember, that while your ultimate goal is finding a new job, your network can work for you.

Additionally, increase your visibility on the network by answering questions and participating in group discussions.  Join groups related to your career area, i.e. associations, research areas, brand types, or industry groups.  If the groups are in your field of expertise, you could potentially provide an answer to someone who could use your expertise full-time.

As you are answering questions and participating on the boards, include subtle ways of letting people know that you are looking for new employment opportunities.

Last, but not least, start looking for jobs.  The easiest thing to do is click the Jobs Tab at the top of the LinkedIn page.  Enter a keyword.  This may take a bit of research as to the perfect keywords for your field.  They will probably be the same as those used in CareerBuilder, Monster or HotJobs.  Keep it broad based initially, and then narrow the search as you discover what keywords suit your desired career field best.

Advanced Search allows you to input a travel distance, company, job title, experience level and when they were posted.

When the results return, it shows you if anyone is in your network and the relationship they have to you, 1st degree, 2nd degree, group, etc.  LinkedIn also has a toolbar that can be downloaded that shows you any connections you may have if you are looking at a company on the World Wide Web.  By knowing if you have any connections there, you are able to research the position and the company and perhaps contact your connection to find out more about the person making the decision about the position for which you would apply.

Another avenue is to search organizations with which you would like to work.  Use “quotes” around the organization name to get an exact match. Find out who you know in those organizations, contact them, and ask for referrals. Search for hiring managers in the people search, review the results, and determine if any of them are in your network.  This provides a means to ask if they know of any open positions instead of asking for a job directly.

How we can help – Have you met with an Employment and Training Representative at Kane County Department of Employment and Education (KCDEE).  They are able to help you assess your needs and point you in the right direction to finding new employment.  They can help you find many of the job search resources that will help you find a new job and/or career.

Four Offices to serve you:

Elgin – 30 DuPage Court                        847-888-7900 x 230
N. Aurora – 2 Smoketree Plaza              630-844-6640 x 203
DeKalb – 1701 E. Lincoln Hwy.              815-756-4893 x 240
Yorkville – 811 W. John St.                   630-553-8304