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.

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.

Social Media Platforms For Job Hunting

1. LinkedIn

When it comes to job hunting, LinkedIn tops the list. This platform is specifically designed for professional networking, making it an ideal place to showcase your skills and qualifications. To create an effective LinkedIn profile, ensure you have a professional photo, a compelling headline, and a well-written summary. Highlight your experience, skills, certifications, and achievements.

Maximize your job search on LinkedIn by connecting with professionals in your field of interest, participating in relevant group discussions, and following companies you’re interested in. Additionally, utilize the job search feature to find job postings that match your qualifications.

2. Facebook

Facebook isn’t just about keeping up with friends and family; it’s also a great tool for job hunting. To optimize your Facebook profile for job search, make sure your profile picture and cover photo are professional. Keep your posts clean and positive as potential employers may check your profile.

Look out for job listings on Facebook on job groups or company pages. Furthermore, use the Facebook Jobs feature to browse through jobs categorized by industry, location, and more.

3. Twitter

Twitter is another excellent platform to find job opportunities. It’s a hub for real-time information where companies often post their job vacancies. To use Twitter for job search, create a professional profile – a clear profile picture, a concise bio with relevant hashtags, and a link to your online resume or portfolio can be very beneficial.

Follow companies you’re interested in and engage with their content. Use relevant job-related hashtags to find job postings. Don’t forget to retweet and share content relevant to your industry to showcase your interest and knowledge.

4. Instagram

Instagram isn’t just for sharing photos and videos. It’s gradually becoming a job search platform, especially in creative industries. To create a professional Instagram profile, use a clear profile picture, write a compelling bio that highlights your skills, and link to your online portfolio or LinkedIn profile.

To find job listings, follow companies you’re interested in, and watch out for job announcements in their posts or stories. Also, consider using Instagram’s search feature to look for job-related hashtags.

Final Tips

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Final Words

In conclusion, social media has revolutionized the way we search for jobs. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are just some of the platforms you can use to find job opportunities. Remember to maintain a professional online presence as potential employers may check your social media profiles.

Don’t be afraid to network with professionals in your field and engage with companies you’re interested in. Leverage these platforms not only to find job postings but also to research potential employers and understand the job market better. Happy job hunting!

Allen Recruitment is an international recruitment consultancy business with offices in Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, 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.