How To Get Started Using Social Media for Your Job Search

How To Get Started Using Social Media for Your Job Search You are ready to start using social media for your job search. What will you do first to begin building your personal brand and managing your online visibility? This post is regularly updated to make sure you use the best social media for your job search! Using Social Media for Your Job Search Social media can help you expand your reach and network. The more people that know about you or can find you the better! (Congrats on deciding to risk a little of your privacy!) When it comes to social media, each platform has a different audience and purpose. And each platform has advantages so Ive outlined some of the best ways to use each platform. These arent just tips to use during the job search. It takes time to build an online reputation and network. Ideally, you should start building your online brand BEFORE you need a new job. It just might result in job opportunities coming to you! Youre Stuff Is Already Out There Because the web is already curating information about you, you better see what happens when you search for your name.   Google yourself. You want the RIGHT stuff to appear on page one! Go search for your name. Ill wait here. If you arent seeing the right stuff on the first page, then social media is a great way to build links to your name. Master LinkedIn First LinkedIn is the first choice for recruiters and professionals looking to network. Theres no need to go wild dabbling with every social platform. Figure out how to get the most out of LinkedIn first. This is one of the more important social media platforms for your career. Then use this 20 point checklist to make your LinkedIn profile a magnet for hiring managers and recruiters. Now, make your LinkedIn profile feel more like an online portfolio. Stay on your networks radar by updating your status. Here are 25 ideas on what to say. Here are four newer features on LinkedIn you should know about. And dont forget, everyone can find and connect with alumni using this feature. Twitter Isnt Stupid If you want to expand your social experience, please allow me to recommend Twitter (one of my favorite tools for getting news and meeting new people!). Twitter is an open network and allows you to send a tweet to anyone on the platform (or follow what anyone is saying). This makes it ideal for growing your network as well as keeping up with the latest trends in your industry or occupation! Build your profile and have a plan is all it takes to start using Twitter. Start following smart people Participate in Twitter Chats Get these  11 Beginner Twitter Tips Here are 50 Twitter accounts to follow for job search tips. You Are Already on Facebook, right? Most people are already using Facebook. If you arent, I am not suggesting you start. But can you at least ask yourself if Facebook could help you look for a job? Think about the friends and connections you have on Facebook. And who do they know? If you are keeping your job search a secret from these friends, you could be missing opportunities. Heres how to prepare your Facebook profile for job search. Recruiters are using Facebook to learn more about candidates. And get these  2 Secret Facebook Tips for Job Seekers Instagram Known as a place for sharing photos (and video), Instagram is another way to show whats important to you on a more personal level. You may have also noticed employers are using Instagram too. Go see how you can use Instagram for your job search. Pinterest Can Be Your Portfolio Consider Pinterest a spot where you can post all the articles and information about you. Share your Pinterest URL and make it easy for a recruiter or hiring manager to learn about you! Here are some examples of Pinterest boards that brand individuals. Snapchat Anyone? Pitch your qualifications to a company that is active on Snapchat like this job seeker did! Why Use Social Media? Because employers and recruiters are looking for talent on these platforms! Jobvite, CareerBuilder,  Silkroad have all published studies that point to a rise in social recruiting!