Job huntingwith social media

John McMenaminCareers Consultant

Career Development Centre

Objectives

• Be aware of the various social media platforms

• Be aware of how to use those platforms effectively to sell yourself and expand your network and visibility to employers

• Finding jobs using social media

Source: www.ciphr.com/the-ultimate-social-media-guide-to-getting-a-job/

CHOOSE A PLATFORMTHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

• Twitter/Facebook/Google+– media, social media, marketing, creative

• LinkedIn– Professional, managerial, consultancy, finance,

corporate

• Instagram/Pinterest– visual, design, textiles, architecture, creative

Source: www.ciphr.com/the-ultimate-social-media-guide-to-getting-a-job/

Source: www.ciphr.com/the-ultimate-social-media-guide-to-getting-a-job/

1. Customize your URLLinkedIn will assign you a Web address when you create a profile, but you can write your own URL. Click the drop-down menu next to the "Edit" tab and then click on "Public profile settings." Halfway down the page, click on the blue phrase, "Customize your public profile URL." Try using your first and last name, with no spaces, and then other variants of your name. This will drive your LinkedIn page up toward the top of a Google search.

2. Write a crisp, detailed summary of your careerShoot for 100-300 words and try to tell a compelling story about yourself that includes specifics and quantifiable achievements.

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/fgdi45ihfk/make-linkedin-help-you-find-a-job/

3. Flesh out the experience sectionThis is your chance to write an online resume. Many people only include their current job. Take the time to list the significant positions that built your career.

4. List your skillsThis section offers a shorthand way to tell employers what you can do and gives your connections the chance to endorse you for each skill.

5. Get at least five recommendationsAsk your boss, former boss and possibly a colleague or someone who has reported to you to write something glowing. It's OK to offer to write it yourself and then invite the person to vet and post it.

6. Add websites that showcase your workInclude your employer's site, your personal website if you have one and links to samples of your work or, if you're in sales, links to clients.

7. Connect, connect, connectBeef up your roster of connections. Add friends, family, former colleagues and anyone you meet and network with.When you invite people to connect, always send a brief personal note.

8. Include keywordsRecruiters search LinkedIn for candidates. Use the key words and phrases they use. Find examples from job descriptions you’re going after, or profiles of people who have the jobs you want, and pepper them throughout the Summary and Skills & Expertise sections.

dynamic

creative

customer-focussed

team leader

performer

dedicated

tenacious

commercially aware

approachabletarget driven

Source: university.linkedin.com - TipSheet_FindingaJoborInternship.pdf

8. Take advantage of student profile sectionsBe sure to complete the profile sections designed just for students, such as Courses, Projects, Languages, Certifications, and Organizations. Keywords are good here too. Complete profiles get 40x more opportunities!

9. Ask your network for help70% of jobs are found through networking. Once you connect, send customized messages (no mass emails!) to say you’re job-hunting. Ask for advice, an informational interview, or if they know anyone in your desired field. Connect one-on-one and others will be willing to make the effort for you.

10. Get gutsyDon’t be afraid to reach out directly to a recruiter on LinkedIn. One strategy is to first apply to a position you want and then send a message to the recruiter who posted the opportunity (you can often find this information in the job posting).

Top 5 Tips for using LinkedIn to find a job– Aimee Bateman, careercake.com and AAT Career Coach

https://youtu.be/mselUcO8KoI?t=24s (24s to 4m58s)

Source: university.linkedin.com - TipSheet_FindingaJoborInternship.pdf

Source: www.ciphr.com/the-ultimate-social-media-guide-to-getting-a-job/

Source: www.ciphr.com/the-ultimate-social-media-guide-to-getting-a-job/

Finding jobs using Social Media

• The best way to search varies by platform

• The best platforms for searching for opportunities are:– LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

• Following/liking/connecting with the right people and organisations can provide access to opportunities

Finding jobs via LinkedIn

• The “Jobs” section gives you a tailored selection of jobs that you can view by location, seniority, size of business and industry

• Or, you can search for ALL jobs that are advertised via LinkedIn using a standard job search interface

• Your network gives you links to opportunities within organisations that people in your network are connected to

Finding jobs via Facebook

There are a number of ways to find jobs via Facebook.

• Like job sites and organisations for hints, tips and vacancies in your news feed

• Use the apps on the pages of job sites to search for jobs

• The best way to find an organisation’s facebook page is to visit their website and look for the facebook logo (normally at the bottom of the page) – links to other social media channels can be found here too

Finding jobs via Twitter

There are three distinct ways of finding jobs on twitter:

1. Let the jobs find you by following accounts that tweet links to job vacancies – typically job sites and recruitment agencies

2. Look for hashtags that relate to your area of interest. For instance #ukmediajobs

3. Use twitter to showcase what you can do and people will see it and share it and opportunities will find you – this approach is particularly useful for freelance/self-employed opportunities

Starting points

Twitter – follow:

@guardiancareers

@guardianjobs

@prospects

@TargetJobsUK

@uw_careers

@milkroundonline

Facebook – like these pages:

facebook.com/guardianjobs

facebook.com/graduateprospects

facebook.com/targetjobs

facebook.com/milkround

facebook.com/uowcareers

LinkedIn – connect with these organisations:

linkedin.com/company/graduate-prospects

linkedin.com/company/milkround

This is just the beginning, follow/like/connect with companies and organisations you are interested in and start interacting and sharing/liking their content.

Social media – the facts

• Results don’t happen overnight• You need to choose the right platform for your area of interest to

reach the right audience• You have to keep active in order to raise your profile• You should not beg for follow-backs or connections• This should be part of your overall job search strategy and not the

main focus• Devote a specific amount of time each day to engage with social

media and respond to interactions• Anyone you meet could be a worthwhile connection – ask if they are

on LinkedIn (or twitter if appropriate) and if they would mind if you connected with them

Engage

Brand new careers and events portal

– Search for jobs/work experience– Book yourself in for appointments and events – in 4 clicks– Search our growing bank of careers resources– Registration not required – you are already on the system

engage.westminster.ac.uk

Career Development Centre services

– 20-minute quick queries: CV, covering letter, application form checks

– 45-minute individual guidance interviews: detailed career guidance, mock interviews

– Book your appointments using the Engage system

Our resources:– CV Guide – available to download as a resource on Engage– Free sector-specific and general careers publications

Contact Career Development Centre

www.westminster.ac.uk/careersengage.westminster.ac.uk T: 020 7911 5184E: careers@westminster.ac.uk

First floor, 101 New Cavendish Street (next to Cav St campus)

Also at Harrow – Maria Hewlett building

Thank you

Any questions?