Job Hunting via Facebook, LinkedIn, Friendster, Multiply, Twitter

Job-hunting has radically changed. The advent of computer technology has paved the way to applying for positions via sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Friendster, Multiply, and Twitter to name a few.

Nowadays, job seekers use computers to reach out to relatives, former friends and classmates, as well as colleagues and fellow alumni. It is a very useful tool to discover available positions, by establishing relationships with contacts who can give recommendations.

The success of using social media in job hunting is in NETWORKING. The more friends you have, the higher the tendency to meet friends of your friends, thus increasing chances of finding good contacts.

Below are tips and tricks to enhance your job search via social networking sites:

Do’s

• Post a recent, decent, and suitable photo for the position. Never post vulgar pictures, as it is easy for people to grab them onsite.

• Write all your qualifications, including all awards received and positions held.

• Post only positive comments. This shows that you are likeable, enthusiastic, and easy to get along with.

• Be careful on who you make friends with. Track friends who are currently working in the company or industry you are targeting. They can give you a good referral.

• Proofread your entries. Make sure there are no errors in grammar or spelling. Show that you have good communication skills.

• Be careful in using keywords or tags. This is very important. The recruiters will only find you when they type words in search engines. Make sure you use keywords or tags that would most likely be searched, like: proficient graphic artist, certified public accountant, licensed primary school teacher, experienced software developer, etc.

• Refer others. If you have helped some of your friends get jobs then there is a great chance they will be enthusiastic in recommending you.

• Safe guard your privacy and security. Study the settings of the particular social web site you are using and control access to your profile and also to your activities. Criminal minded people may use the site information to plan their misdeed.

• Make sure you can be reached. Do not assume they will want to contact you online, make it easy for employers to contact you the way they want. Provide your landline, cell phone number, and email address.

Don’ts

• Do not say you need a job, if you are currently employed. You could state this truthfully but in a more tactful way.

• Do not badmouth a previous employer or co-worker. Not only will this reduce your employment chances, you may also get sued as well!

• Avoid showing your position on sensitive issues. Unless you want to limit your options, do not discuss politics and other controversial topics.

• Do not expect to get positive results overnight. Networking takes time, at least several months will be needed. You need to build an adequate amount of contacts before you get favourable response.

One downside of using social networking sites is when you fail to separate your personal from your professional account. This is very dangerous because your potential recruiters will be able to read private conversations or unflattering comments of friends who are just trying to be funny. I would advise that you use LinkedIn for your professional site as it is targeted specifically for professional purposes, especially job hunting. Facebook is currently the king of the social networking sites and you will do best to use this for your personal network mainly because you are likely to meet more friends there.

Lastly, keep in mind that these technologies only improve the job search. They may open doors, but in the end, you still have to prove yourself because recruiters will judge you during your face-to-face interview.

*Written by Ruben Anlacan, Jr. (President, BusinessCoach, Inc.) All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or copied without express written permission of the copyright holder.

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