Using social Media to get a job

HelenaBD

Hi,

I found this thread in a forum when searching the internet and it sounds like good advice.

"For those of you who haven't tried it already, social and professional networking sites are a great way of selling yourself to potential employers. Video Cvs and a professional on line profile can really increase your chances of landing a job. Sometimes people don't come across so well on a paper based CV, or maybe even in interview. By creating a video cv you can demonstrate anything from your knowledge of a subject, or maybe even provide practical demonstrations, for example if you are a joiner, create something and video yourself doing it. There are a number of free sites out there that let you do this. Its more important than ever now to build an on line profile, and it can mean the difference between getting and not getting that job, as its a chance for potential employers to see your personality and other skills you sometimes can't get across on paper cv or interview. Professional networking is really important, so join as many sites that allow you to do this as you possibly can. The main ones are Linkedin, Twitter but there is also another one that is excellent (and lets you upload video CVs too) which is zoomspec. Remember that whatever you put on these sites is promoting you professionally, so strive to show yourself in a positive light at all times.

Don't give up, just be prepared to embrace new ways of selling yourself to potential employers. It might be a little daunting at first, but well worth the effort (and a great confidence booster creating an on line profile) as you can showcase many skills and sides to yourself."

Has anyone on here used social media in these ways? I had not considered Twitter until now and so giving it a go. I have an an old Linkedin account but not really used it and have just signed up to the zoomspec one which is actually quite good. Some people say Facebook too, but i see this more for my socialising with friends and family, and to be honest, would rather keep it for that. I like the sound of the video cv, but frankly don't know where to start (or even if I have the confidence to create one). Anyway, its time I embraced technology so will have a go.

DKLS

LinkedIn and twitter can be great tools to use to find a job especially LinkedIn. I usually get approached every week about a role on linkedin, join all the relevant groups in your sector and ensure your profile is up to date and relevant.

I would keep facebook completely separate.

bristol_pilot

Most people don't look good on TV/video, which is why professional TV presenters are so well paid. Best avoided except for media industries, IMO. Pics of yourself falling out of a pub or half-naked on holday (facebook) won't do you any favours either.

persa

LinkedIn is a means of getting a job.

Facebook is means of losing a job.

Definitely get back into LinkedIn and use it properly, but I'm not sure about a video CV unless you're going for jobs in the media industry!

I've seen people use Twitter both for professional and personal reasons - I think it can have a place for either, but never on the same account. Although personality is important, I don't think you should muddy the waters when it comes to social media.

Mind you, I'm of the school that says never ever put your hobbies down on your CV - the employer generally doesn't care. I know some people on this forum disagree with me there.

Best of luck job hunting.

HelenaBD

Many thanks for the helpful responses. I have actually deactivated my facebook account, as read somewhere that employers use this to find out more about candidates. Its not that I have anything to hide, but more the stuff some of my friends post.

I will revisit Linkedin, although I think the reason I never used it was because I thought I had to pay to use the useful bits (its been a while). Im not being tight, but its just I am not earning at the moment, so looking for as many free resources as possible. As for Twitter, I can't seem to get my head around how it works to benefit me in finding work, basically i post tweets, and then what? What should I (or jobseekers generally) tweet about? I am a bit naive with this.

I get your point about the video cv, but I have heard that for some people these have proved successful (including in my field as a business analyst). I am not seeking work in the media industry, but I am willing to give a video cv a go as feel I could show more to an employer - and back it up maybe with a portfolio of work. I looked on youtube and there are lots on there, some good, some bad, some really creative.

DKLS

Agree with persa re the hobbies as an employer I have zero interest in what employees get up to at the weekend unless it has a direct benefit to the role or equally has a detrimental effect.

jfh7gwa

Of course it's a good idea - don't most employers use the internet to check candidates beforea final offer (or maybe even sooner!) these days?

I think that using profiles on linkedin/etc can reinforce the opinion they have of you (hopefully a good one, from your CV/covering letter or something) but it can't win you a job you weren't in the running for anyway. Think of it like another tool in your toolbox. It's not an amazing solution - just another thing you can use to present yourself in a professional way. And why wouldn't you - it's all free, isn't it

persa

HelenaBD wrote: »

I will revisit Linkedin, although I think the reason I never used it was because I thought I had to pay to use the useful bits (its been a while). Im not being tight, but its just I am not earning at the moment, so looking for as many free resources as possible.

I think you can get more out of LinkedIn by paying (not that I ever have done!) but it's not necessary.

Some tips:

I would recommend having your profile visible to everyone (unlike Facebook, where I recommend locking it down!) and updating your profile with as much information as you're comfortable going public. Personally, I list my past jobs and positions, but don't elaborate on tasks etc - I do know of some people who really go to town here though and treat it like a full CV. (I'm not comfortable putting this much information into the WWW forever, but you may be.)

Have a nice, professional-looking headshot too. (Get a friend with a digital camera to help if you don't have a suitable picture.)

Join lots of job hunting groups, professional groups, etc. Do this over time, not straight away. The aim is get yourself noticed.

Add recruiters and let recruiters add you. If you're not working at present, make that clear in your profile, i.e. that you are immediately available for work.

Many recruiters pop their phone number in their profile - don't be afraid to give them a call or let them have your number if they ask.

Add as many useful contacts as you can think of - you must have some friends who work and who use LinkedIn. Best people to add are former colleagues - perhaps one of them can even recommend you? The more connections you have on LinkedIn, the more serious you are taken, plus the more people you can reach. But don't add random people (unless they're headhunters).

DKLS

Video CV for a BA, erm no way I would immediately think you had ego issues or was American. I would only expect to see a video cv/portfolio for a creative.
Focus on writing a good profile and building your network up, you don't need to pay for the upgraded service, I never have and it's served me well.

HelenaBD

DKLS wrote: »

Video CV for a BA, erm no way I would immediately think you had ego issues or was American. I would only expect to see a video cv/portfolio for a creative.

Haha no, I don't have a big ego - quite the opposite. I take your point.

HelenaBD

persa wrote: »

Some tips:

I would recommend having your profile visible to everyone (unlike Facebook, where I recommend locking it down!) and updating your profile with as much information as you're comfortable going public. Personally, I list my past jobs and positions, but don't elaborate on tasks etc - I do know of some people who really go to town here though and treat it like a full CV. (I'm not comfortable putting this much information into the WWW forever, but you may be.)

Have a nice, professional-looking headshot too. (Get a friend with a digital camera to help if you don't have a suitable picture.)

Join lots of job hunting groups, professional groups, etc. Do this over time, not straight away. The aim is get yourself noticed.

Add recruiters and let recruiters add you. If you're not working at present, make that clear in your profile, i.e. that you are immediately available for work.

Many recruiters pop their phone number in their profile - don't be afraid to give them a call or let them have your number if they ask.

Add as many useful contacts as you can think of - you must have some friends who work and who use LinkedIn. Best people to add are former colleagues - perhaps one of them can even recommend you? The more connections you have on LinkedIn, the more serious you are taken, plus the more people you can reach. But don't add random people (unless they're headhunters).

Hi Persa, this is really useful - many thanks. I shall apply some of what you have suggested.