1. Pick Three: There are MANY social networks online to choose from, I recommend picking three so you can manage them effectively. For job search, I recommend: LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Yes, I said Facebook.
Facebook’s fastest growing population is adults age 35 and older. They have 300 million users, 200 million members use Facebook primarily on their smart phones.
With LinkedIn, there are more than 300,000 recruiters as members.
2. Create a branded bio: Tell a story in your profile (bio). Don’t just list your resume information. Know that chemistry helps you land and KEEP a job. Likeability counts, so be interesting.
3. Know what you want: When you start networking online, it’s important to know what you want from the activity. If you want a job, be sure your profile is on brand and professional. Have a professional headshot as well.
4. Join a group: Know that in order to make the most of an online group, you’ve got to take an active role. You can take a leadership role in online groups. You can answer members’ questions and provide your expertise.
5. Be relevant and add value: Social networking gives you a chance to demonstrate your thought leadership and set yourself apart from your competition. As an executive and leader, it is even more critical to demonstrate your expertise online.
According to a Microsoft survey in 12/2009 about social media and hiring, 79% of interviewers said they Google candidates before meeting them. In another survey, by Harris Interactive for Careerbuilder.com, 35% of employers said they would eliminate candidates based on what they found on a social networking site.
Review your current social media and identify at least three action items from the above list you can implement immediately. Make an action plan to effectively manage your online network.
© 2010 • Wendy J. Terwelp • All rights reserved.
Wendy Terwelp has helped thousands of clients get hired faster and be rock stars at work since 1989. A recognized expert on networking, both online and off, Wendy was dubbed LinkedIn Guru by The Washington Post and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Fast Company, The Business Journal, Careerbuilders.com, Monster.com, NBC, ABC, and more as well as numerous radio and television shows. She has published hundreds of articles on the web and in print and wrote the ultimate networking book, Rock Your Network® for Job Seekers. Rock your career and buy the book at http://knocks.com.
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