07 Track 7

Review unit 1

Fluency Strategy: Muscle Reading

Getting That Job Using

Social Media

Page 54

Getting That Job Using social media

What’s your dream job? Is to work as a business executive in a large cosmopolitan city? Or be a travel writer with ample opportunities to see the world? Or maybe to work as an anthropologist, helping to preserve the heritage of local peoples?

Whatever it is, some of us know the answer to that question from an early age, while others find the answer later in life. In many places in the world, you are no longer expected to work for the same company for a lifetime.

In fact, having the same job for a significant period of time can adversely affect your career. It might seem ironic, but many companies now think the best employees are those that change jobs every few years.

The days of looking at “Help wanted” ads in newspapers, and then sending a resume, are disappearing fast. We are morphing from a “browsing show me” society to one of “refer and lead me.”

Today, both job seekers and job recruiters use social recruiting to search, share, discuss, engage, build rapport, and refer. More people are relying on social media to get that extra advantage.

Have you ever had a Facebook friend post an update to his network promoting a new job opportunity at his company? Have you ever received a LinkedIn message from a friend of a friend asking you about employment opportunities? That’s social networking. If using social media in this way is new to you, here are a few tips to get started.

First, whatever social media you are using, update your profiles regularly. Fix inconsistencies and be sure profiles complement one another. Make sure they contain useful content. A possible employer may deliberately look at your personal Facebook page.

He or she does not want to see silly photos and whiny status updates. Take another look at your resume and make it concise and visually appealing.

Next, make it easy for potential employers to find you. Use your full name on all profiles, not a nickname or an alias. Use a professional photo of yourself. Be sure that your most important social media accounts are public, even if an account is private. These images may turn up when someone searches your name. It’s a good idea to delete any profiles that you don’t use regularly. An inactive page can make you look like you lack initiative.

Once you know the companies you’d like to work for, follow them online to gain an understanding of their company culture. Find out who the decision makers are and contact them.

This shows you have researched the company and had the tenacity to figure out the people who make hiring decisions.

The key thing about social media is that it lets you create connections with people. These connections can be a huge help in getting a job because you can get a personal referral.

You are far more likely to be considered for a job with a personal referral you would be just completing an online application.

It’s essential to join professional networks. By joining these communities, you will be up to date on what’s happening in the industry. You also create long-term relationships that build trust. Recruiters often start their search in these communities to find suitable job candidates.

Some social media sites allow you to request an introduction from your extended network. This can give you a head start on the competition. You can see who is already connected to the person you are targeting.

There are also mobile phone apps that help job seekers find and manage these connections.

By all means use social media in your job search. However, a word of warning: even though you are using social media, always remain professional with the people you interact with. Don’t blur the line between personal and professional.

You probably can’t rely on social media alone to get a great job. Your in immediate aim is to get an interview. If you get one follow the same advice for anyone granted an interview. Dress professionally and arrived early.

Be prepared with knowledge of the company position you’re applying for. Know that you will have to think on your feet and answer tough questions of your own questions ready to show you did your homework do yourself. If you do get a job offer, then you know that it’s a good fit.

Finally, remember that the best job is the one that you’re happy doing.

Confucius once said, “Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” That may not be completely true, but it’s still pretty good advice!