Career Advice Podcasts & Job Seeker Network
Social Marketing... what are you waiting for?
There are die hards out there who still insist the best way to get a job is the old fashion way– newspaper ads and word-of-mouth. While I agree on the word-of-mouth (a.k.a. networking) point, let’s face it, the reality of finding a “career” through a newspaper ad is slim.
So, if you are still unfamiliar with social marketing/networking and online branding/profiles, I will give you the 101 basics on how to get started online with fast results.
1. I know I sound like a broken record here, but join LinkedIn. LinkedIn will open doors for you that you never thought possible. Originally started as a professional networking tool, LinkedIn is now being used by employers to seek out job seekers! How do they do this? They type in the keywords of candidate characteristics in the search box. If their words match up with the keywords on your profile, guess what? You have officially become a contender. You can also research companies online, network with employees that WORK at that company and look for current job openings. Utilize LinkedIn as much as you can. You will be amazed at the results you get.
2. Join Twitter. If you are an entrepreneur, have a small business of some sort or are a job seeker, Twitter is a wonderful way to connect fast with all sorts of people. You build your network by following others who in return, follow you. It sounds strange at first until you get going. I created my profile in November, but didn’t see the value of Twitter until the following January when I started really connecting with colleagues and job seekers, plus all sorts of other interesting folks. You can spread the word that you are job searching. The bigger your “follower” list is, the more people will know this and keep their eyes and ears open for you. I just read a great post about a college grad who got a job within just a couple of weeks of joining Twitter. Read it. Then join Twitter.
3. Facebook is a great way to connect with lots of people and get a little more personal with them. With the option of adding pictures, videos, quizzes and applications, you let the other person see more into your personal life–if you want them to. Many companies have their own Facebook pages that you can research. Again, another great networking tool.
4. Another one I think everyone should do is to set up a Google profile. It is a basic profile with facts about you on Google. You will be able to control, or at least add to, what people see when the ‘Google’ you. Put up a professional picture and add a little bio. It adds to your online presence.
There are also Naymz, Plaxo, Ning, Ecademy, and many, many more.
As with anything, there are a few rules to keep in mind when doing your online networking. NEVER ever say anything you wouldn’t want a perspective employer to know. Remember that hiring managers ARE GOOGLING YOU and an unsavory post on any of your networking sites may come back to haunt you. And PLEASE do not post any pictures that you wouldn’t want your Grandmother (or an employer) to see. Be smart. Keep it professional.
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Comment by csampson on June 15, 2009 at 9:54am -
My biggest concern with Twitter is that there is noo way to know who these people are, and furthermore, what you have in common with them. So, I am never quite sure whether to accept their request to follow me or not. I am also on Linkedin, Facebook, Naymz, Ning, and Doostang. When is tou much visibility overkill? I am not looking to be followed by people with whom I have veryy little in common. Am I being overly paranoid or what? Just don't have a lot of time to waste making small talk either.
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Comment by Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW on June 15, 2009 at 10:21am -
Hi C,
With Twitter, I was the very same way in the beginning...'who are these people?'. I first started following people who I was interested in... different topics or occupations. Then I started getting 'follow' requests from people who I (seemingly) had nothing in common with. I started using some of the available applications to get the most out of Twitter (Google "Twitter Applications" and you will be able to pick and choose what you want). I downloaded Tweetdeck, so I could see my followers in different columns i.e. I have one for "career" so I can see what colleagues are posting/talking about. I have "met" so many wonderful people online. It's like a virtual office with help available any time you have a question. Plus, it's a wonderful way to boost your business. You can promote it by linking to posts on your blog or whatever.
I don't use the social sites as much, because you're right, it's a lot to keep up with. I also don't "follow" or "connect" with just anyone. However, lots of people do and it's a great way to again, boost your online visibility, etc.
Give Twitter another chance. You will love it. :)
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Comment by Gary Alan Miller on June 15, 2009 at 12:03pm
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csampson -- I would recommend you not worry about who follows you on twitter. Rather, focus on who you choose to follow. I don't automatically re-follow people who follow me, and unless it's obvious spam or porn I don't mind if people who aren't in my field or area of interest are following me. But, that doesn't mean I'll follow them back!
Good way to find value: Use the advanced search tool and hashtags (#) to find people who are having conversation of interest to you, and then follow them. Only then will their posts go into your viewable timeline.
I do agree that you can't be involved in everything that's out there -- there are too many social media sites to do that effectively. Instead choose the ones where you find the most value. I'm only on linkedin and twitter (along with blogging through wordpress) for my professional activities. I've created accounts on a half-dozen other sites. But, I don't use them commonly for conversations and connections. So, go where it make sense for you.
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Comment by Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW on June 15, 2009 at 12:23pm
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Gary,
Good follow up with the #hashtags. I just recently started using them as a way to find groups I want to converse with at the moment.
I also agree... Twitter and LinkedIn are my favorites. I will follow almost anyone on Twitter, but am choosy about my LinkedIn following as I offer it to my clients as a part of a resume package...inclusion to my exclusive network.
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