Over two years ago I started to really talk to people about social media and their job search. It’s funny how things change in two years. Then, people just looked at me like I was a bit daft. Now, people are finally ready to engage social media for job seeking. I know this in part because of my own experiences, but also from the “chatter” on the social web. Social media and human talent and job seeking are big topics now, and are growing as topics. (You can do your own twitter search if you don’t believe me: #HR, #socialmediaHR #tweetmyjobs #twitterjobs, etc.) I also know this because social media is being talked about now in conferences and career transition groups. I was at a conference this week for Ph.D.’s who will be entering the job market and there was a whole session on utilizing social media. (And for any of you who know academics, they are one of the least likely groups to use social media for job seeking.)
So, why is social media and job seeking finally getting it’s day in the sun? I think there are a couple of reasons: 1) the economy may be rebounding a bit, but job loss and unemployment continue and for those who have been unemployed for awhile, they really need to try something new; and 2) people finally “get” social media, at least more than they did two years ago. Twitter is commonplace and people are finally understanding that it isn’t about tweeting what you had for lunch, but networking. Yes, networking. And since job seeking is all about networking, social media tools like Twitter can have a real effect.
So, hear this, job seeker: you have a much larger networking scope than you thought! The social web is yours to dominate! Go ahead – tell the world about your skill sets and your expertise, the projects that you ROCKED throughout your career, the things that make you get up in the morning because you are really, really good at them! Tell the world through social media!
And in case you aren’t sure how to do that, I’ve got you covered. I put together a whole presentation with step by step instructions on how you can use social media for your job search. And I’ve posted it on Slideshare. And if you don’t know what Slideshare is, no worries. Here is a link to the presentation:? Social Media & Your Job Search: Yes, Really.
If you take the time to walk through the steps to creating your professional online identity and then network with and through it, you will find doors that you didn’t know were there…and a few of them will begin opening for YOU. Work the NEW system (social media) and Keep the Faith, Job Seeker. Your new opportunity IS out there!
