How to Use Social Media to Get a Job
Instead of spending hours posting old high school photos on social media sites, you might consider using the time to improve your career. Employers are paying more attention than ever to social media, so it’s important to make your time spent on social media sites count if you’re seeking a job or advancement in your existing career. Here is some advice on the best social media options and how to use social media to get a job.
LinkedIn
Every professional should have a LinkedIn account. It’s one of the most common ways people are getting jobs nowadays. Ensuring that every section of your profile is filled out completely is the first step to strengthen your credibility and help you stand out to a potential employer. A good tip for using LinkedIn to get a job is to scroll through your connections’ contacts for people who work at companies you admire and reach out to those people. At the very least, you will form a new contact and at best you might get a new job.
Twitter
Twitter is often referred to as a micro-blog that provides the potential to reach millions. Start by finding relevant people in your field, then tweet about topics of interest to your target audience. If you want to be respected as a professional, tweet about things that demonstrate your knowledge. This will help you gather relevant followers who could turn into business contacts or lead you to those who can help you in your career.
Facebook
Facebook is no longer just a social sharing network, it can also can be used to give your career a boost. Create a professional Facebook page where you only post information related to your profession. You will want to consider limiting your separate personal Facebook page to close friends and family by adjusting your privacy settings so no one else can find you. You’ve probably already built a community on your personal Facebook page that includes co-workers and acquaintances, as well as potential clients or employers, so you won’t have to start from scratch when creating your professional page.
Blogging
Creating a professional blog where you post about topics related to your field can help cast you as an expert and expand your resume. One idea for creating blog posts is to write how-to articles about different aspects of your field. If you’re a web designer, for example, you could explain all of the elements that make a good website. Doing so can demonstrate to business contacts and potential employers that you know what you’re doing and have the expertise to succeed in your field. For increased exposure, link your blog with your LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook accounts.
Viadeo
Similar to LinkedIn, the Paris-based company, Viadeo, has about 45 million users across the world. The Viadeo platform offers users the opportunity to network worldwide, which is increasingly important in today’s job market. Users can create a profile that receives both national and international exposure, and opens the door for business opportunities with a large base of professionals. Viadeo also has a portal where users can post their blogs by topic, as well as an extensive job board. As with LinkedIn, the goal is to seek out professionals who work for companies that align with your career goals and reach out to them. Another way you can improve your career possibilities is to earn a degree. Associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree holders get jobs faster and earn more money than high school graduates. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, workers who have associate’s degrees earn about $8,000 more per year than high school graduates and bachelor’s degree workers earn about $24,000 more per year. Fremont University offers and a bachelor’s. Both programs take just 15 months to complete and prepare students for rewarding careers. Take the next step on the path to career success by enrolling in one of our accelerated degree programs.
