Social Networking Can Help You Land a Job
Social Networking has made its way into the job search arena. Professional recruiters have begun to search for job candidates using social networking technology like those found on MySpace and Facebook.
One of the favorite sites for professionals is Linkedin, a network of more than 8 million professionals from around the world. According to Linkedin, members of executives from all of the Fortune 500 companies can be found on their rosters.
What these sites have in common is the ability to use keywords to search the entire network to locate both high-quality, targeted candidates or companies that you might not find elsewhere.
The advantage to an employer is that they can find out quite a lot about who you are and look for a fit even though many candidates may not be seeking a new position.
The use of these social networks is not, however, without pitfalls. Here are a few things to remember when posting your profile on a social network site:
Remember to be discreet
You need to be very careful not to put your crazy drunk photos on social network sites or join groups that might show you in a less-than-stellar light. While it may have seemed funny at the time to post those wild photos of spring break you, don’t want them to ruin your chances of a great job. If you are a MySpace user and are concerned about employers (or others) seeing the personal information that you have on MySpace, you can change your privacy settings so only certain people, like your friends, can view your profile.
Keep your profit up-to-date
Keep your profile updated because recruiters really like to find top-notch passive job candidates. Having a current profile will help you to be seen and could land you a great job when you least expect it.
Don’t say anything bad about your employers Griping about your current boss is a big mistake whenever it is done; however, that mistake is magnified tenfold when it is shared with the world at large. Don’t let a hiring manager think that you would badmouth them down the line.
You might not be the only one from your company on the social network
If you are currently employed you should remember the confidentiality agreements that you have signed. You wouldn’t want to violate your contract and wind up jobless while you are looking for a new job.
Networking by itself is not a revolutionary concept. In fact, it is one of the best ways to find a job. People like to hire other people who are known to members of their greater circle. The way that people are now networking, using social networking sites, can help lead to great opportunities in this new age of technology. People are finding jobs using powerful search tools on the Web and getting jobs based on the strengths of existing relationships.
Here are a few resources that can help you learn how to use a social network to help land a job.
Networking Sites
Facebook Job Search Groups
Online Profiles
How to Ensure Employers Can Find You
Facebook and Professional Networking
Facebook and Job Search Privacy Tips
MySpace and Job Searching
MySpace and Job Search Privacy Tips
MyWorkster
Job Search Internet Checklist
Land the Ideal Job Using Social Networks
MySpace, Facebook and Privacy
The Power of Job Search Networking
Source: NP Times.com
