Why Social Media Is Important in Any Job Search

Why Social Media Is Important in Any Job Search Why Social Media Is Important in Any Job Search Social media is often thought of as a platform for personal use and not a tool to utilize on a professional level. However, there are several reasons why social media is important in any job search and for career progression. For anyone pondering the importance of social media in a job search, consider the following reasons why social media is important in ANY job search- including yours. Social Recruiting and Screening Is the New Norm Social media is being used on a daily basis to identify, recruit, and verify potential candidates. It’s estimated that over 90 percent of recruiters use social media to screen applicants, mainly through Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. In fact, a majority of hiring managers begin looking at social media channels as soon as they receive an application. With such a presence in the virtual world, thats why social media is important- it can make or break a job search. How to Use Social Media in a Job Search Social media can be a powerful tool in a job search if you use it correctly. Job seekers need to keep their profiles up to date and make sure they are interacting with others in their network. For an active job seeker, interacting on social media on a daily basis is best. As a passive job seeker, once a week is sufficient. Job seekers who have never used social media before should start out small, ideally by creating a LinkedIn account. While it isn’t necessary to use all media channels, maintaining activity on LinkedIn is a great start. Make sure the profile is filled out thoroughly and completely, including a profile picture. Without this information your profile may be passed over as being a scam account. Social Media Mistakes to Avoid Although social media is a great way to connect with others and share life events, during a job search it is crucial to keep a clean profile and remain professional. Consider these tips: Don’t post inappropriate or overly personal photos or comments Don’t bash prior employers or share sensitive information Don’t lie about your qualifications Do show that you have solid communication skills Do show that you are well rounded professionally and personally Do update your profile and qualifications to match jobs you are applying for Clearly, those hiring for open jobs are using social media. For jobs seekers, this means you need to be active on social networks, especially if you want to be found for unadvertised and referral program opportunities. Avoid being blasé about how you interact on social media in order to not ruin your chances of getting the job. Readers, do you use social media in your job search? Why is social media important to YOUR job search? Share your ideas and questions with us in the section below!