How to use a social networking site to find your next job
Most of us at the Mequoda Group have joined LinkedIn, its one of our best practice examples. You too are probably a member of a popular social networking site, but possibly wondering how to use it to its full potential.
Apparently, you are not alone. In my research of the LinkedIn network, I came across the book I’m on LinkedIn, Now What??? A Guide to Getting the Most Out of LinkedIn
Alba has more tips than time allows, so let’s focus on career advancement. How can LinkedIn, or any other social networking, help you find your next online publishing job?
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Increase your visibility
You may not have thought of using a social networking site as a resource in your job hunt.
Consider this, the more connections you make, the larger your network will grow. The larger your network, the more likely you are to be seen, asked for advice, given a recommendation, and so on.
So start searching people out, former colleagues, classmates, teammates, etc. It’s not called social networking for nothing. Alba has the right idea:
“The job page also shows me how many connections I have inside the hiring company – which is very powerful. Imagine if every job posting you looked at on Monster told you exactly who you need to talk to and let you know how you might know (or could know, with a few introductions) to network your way closer to that job!”
Background check
Once you have an interview scheduled, look up the company. What are current and past employees saying about the company? How’s their turnover? Do you already have connections within the company?
Next, if you know who will be conducting your interview, look them up. How many “degrees” are they from you? Has anyone recommended them? Do you have mutual acquaintances? It’s a great icebreaker!
Keep in mind this works both ways, a potential employer may look you up before interviewing or hiring.
View the results of the user poll “Will you use LinkedIn to find your next job?” and read more in I’m on LinkedIn, Now What??? A Guide to Getting the Most Out of LinkedIn
