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How to Use Social Media to find a job

Over 50% of companies admit to Googling or otherwise researching a potential employee online before offering them a job (quick go Google yourself!), but have you figured out yet how to use social media to find a job?

On a serious note – there is no denying your CV is still king, but building an online presence is now essential for job seekers and professionals alike.

Social Media is often seen as a crowded space, with whoever shouts the loudest being heard. It’s also a space to converse with friends, family and share moments. But perhaps shouting the loudest isn’t always the best, and when used appropriately, social media can be a helpful tool for a job seeker.

There are 12 key tips on how to use social media in your job search – Network, Be Engaged, Be Resourceful and Searching.

1. Professionalize Your Social Media Profiles

The first step in using social media for job hunting is to professionalize your profiles. Potential employers often look at your social media presence to get a sense of who you are. Ensure that your profiles on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn represent you in a professional light. This entails using a professional-looking photo, creating a compelling bio highlighting your skills and experience, and keeping your posts and comments professional.

2. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the online CV you must have, just like your own CV, LinkedIn can be utilised in the same manner, listing your information and work experience to date. The professional network has reached 500 million users spread across 200 countries.

The professional world, industry experts, employers and company pages are all at your disposal to begin your networking space. Engaging on LinkedIn is as simple as connecting with an HR manager from the company you have applied for or participating in some online group forums.

Furthermore, when it comes to searching, LinkedIn is home to 9 million companies world-wide providing an endless amount of jobs which are matched and sent to your profile weekly.

Top tip for LinkedIn – if you’re a jobseeker without an account, act fast and begin setting up your professional online profile.

3.  Facebook

Facebook is the most used Social Media site in the world, with 1.94 billion active users in May 2017.

Generally speaking, Facebook is not a core method of job seeking. However, joining job sector groups is a way to be an active job seeker on Facebook. By taking part in these groups it may help network and provide you with current job openings.

As it isn’t the most prominent way to find a job, Facebook can in fact be one of the easiest ways to turn off potential employers. If your Facebook page is strictly personal, setting it to private could be the best option.

Top tip for Facebook – either keep your Facebook profile suitable for employers or keep it private so non-friends have limited access to your information.

4. Twitter

As a job seeker, Twitter can be exercised to your advantage. Twitter is the land of voices, so it would be advised to set up a personal account and an account solely for job seeking activity.

With millions of users world-wide, Twitter is a flood of industry experts and company pages. Therefore, following industry leaders, companies and employers will help you keep up to date within your sector. Be as resourceful and engaging as possible by re-tweeting and sharing interesting relevant content.

Top tip for Twitter – use your profile to promote yourself as much as possible, even add in your LinkedIn profile to your bio.

5. Blogs

Creating a blog in your industry area is going a step above the rest, sharing your industry knowledge could be key to securing that next level position.

Whether you’re a Java Developer delivering a weekly blog on programming or a School Teacher, publishing creative classroom tips, a blog shows your industry knowledge and enthusiasm.

Promoting your blog through other forms of social media such as LinkedIn will help you network with future employers providing them with engaging content.

Top tip for blogging – only begin a blog series if you are willing to give it the time it needs. Publishing a half-attempted blog series online may turn off a potential employer.

6. Grow Your Network

Your network can be a valuable resource in your job search. Connect with former colleagues, classmates, and friends on social media platforms. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to people in your desired industry. You can do this by attending virtual networking events or joining industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook.

7. Leverage Hashtags and Keywords

Hashtags and keywords can be used to find job postings on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Use industry-specific hashtags like #hiring, #jobopening, or #jobposting along with location-specific hashtags to find relevant postings. Similarly, you can use keywords related to the role or industry you are interested in during your search.

8. Follow Industry Leaders and Influencers

Don’t just focus on using your own social media to get a job, following industry leaders and influencers can provide you with valuable insights into industry trends and opportunities. It can also provide inspiration for the type of content you should share or discussions you should participate in. Depending on your industry, consider following CEOs, industry experts, thought leaders, or even companies.

9. Join Professional Groups and Forums

Professional groups and forums provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and engage in industry-specific discussions. These groups can be found on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Participating in these groups can not only expand your network but also increase your visibility to potential employers.

10. Share Industry-Related Content

Sharing relevant content can establish you as a knowledgeable individual in your field. It shows that you are engaged with the current trends and discussions in your industry. Consider sharing articles, blog posts, or videos related to your field. However, ensure that the content you share is credible and valuable.

11. Use Social Media to Research Companies

Social media can be a powerful tool for researching potential employers. You can check out their social media profiles to get a sense of their company culture, work environment, products or services, and values. This information can help you tailor your application or prepare for an interview.

12. Engage with Companies on Social Media

Engaging with potential employers on social media can increase your visibility and give you an edge over other candidates. This can be done by commenting on their posts, participating in discussions they initiate or sharing their content.

In conclusion, social media offers numerous ways to aid your job search process if used strategically. Whether it’s professionalizing your profile, growing your network, leveraging hashtags, following industry leaders, joining forums, sharing relevant content, researching companies or engaging with potential employers – each strategy can bring you one step closer to landing your dream job.

Join Allen Recruitment’s social media pages and keep up to date with all our current roles and job seeker advice: LinkedinTwitter / Facebook / Instagram

Allen Recruitment Consulting is an international recruitment consultancy business with offices in Ireland, the UK, the NetherlandsSpain, France, Sweden, Belgium and Poland. A full-service recruitment consultancy offering temporary, permanent, contract and contingency roles in a variety of industries such as IT, Tech, Finance, Telecom, E-commerce, Engineering and more.

 

Posted in: Job Seeking Resources

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