How to Use Social Media for Job Searching

If you're applying for jobs, take note of your social media presence. Without privacy settings in place on these platforms, recruiters could potentially see what you like and share on sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Make sure that all public posts, even older ones, represent your current professional self and eschew cliches.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn can be used for more than simply posting pictures of lunch and keeping up with old flames; it can also serve as an effective job-hunting resource. By harnessing its full power and using LinkedIn effectively as part of their job hunt strategy, graduates can impress prospective employers while becoming more attractive (and thus hireable) candidates.

Join industry-specific groups on LinkedIn and post content highlighting your expertise; this can help establish you as an industry expert while expanding your visibility - leading to job offers.

LinkedIn Pulse, which features career news and articles relevant to your field, can be accessed either via your profile or the LinkedIn homepage. Furthermore, following companies you care about gives you updates about new hires, promotions or changes at those organizations.

LinkedIn Premium members can see who has viewed their profiles, which can help determine which jobs to apply to and also how competitive an application for a particular position might be.

Remind yourself not to use social media as a platform for airing grievances against previous employers or staff, or sharing controversial views. LinkedIn tends to be more professional than Facebook or Instagram for this purpose - be mindful what posts you make and don't overshare information!

Facebook

Facebook, the world's most beloved social media platform, has also become one of the fastest growing job boards that companies of all sizes rely on each day for job posts and applicants can search directly through company pages or under the "Jobs" drop down menu on home screens for opportunities posted directly by companies on the platform. Facebook even recently introduced a job search feature so applicants could easily locate available positions posted directly to company pages as well as through job-posting functionality on home screens!

Facebook's job search feature is free to both employers and applicants alike, making it an invaluable resource when seeking work or upgrading current roles. Although LinkedIn may provide more access to higher-end positions, Facebook provides an easier and quicker process that draws from all public information on your profile such as education, work experience, volunteerism or any other relevant factors. The application process itself is quick and painless too - just fill out your details quickly to apply!

When using Facebook to look for work, be sure to set your privacy settings so only trusted individuals can see your personal details and posts. This will protect against potential employers seeing any inappropriate details about you that could compromise your chances. It is also beneficial to update your profile regularly with relevant details that could aid your job search efforts from friends who could serve as potential resources.

Facebook's job search feature can provide businesses with several advantages for hiring staff, such as its free use and targeting specific audiences. You can select an ad objective like Reach, Traffic or Conversions as well as the type of content to include in their campaign.

Twitter

Twitter is an invaluable source for breaking news, celebrity gossip and political opinion - but job hunters should use Twitter in their search for employment.

As well as posting job openings and sharing them via Twitter or blogging, discussing what type of work you desire through tweeting or blogging is an invaluable way to build up your brand as an expert in your field. Employers will look at social media profiles to assess if you possess the personality fit necessary for their organization, while understanding of industry knowledge will also play a factor.

Twitter provides an effective platform to find employment opportunities by following thought leaders in your industry, companies you respect, recruiters and economic development agencies. In addition, use the search bar at the top of the site to filter for specific keywords and locations; once saved searches can be easily retrieved at any time.

Social media may not be for everyone when searching for employment; however, it can be an invaluable asset in expanding one's network and improving chances of landing the next great opportunity. Just make sure that when using these tools responsibly that any information shared remains private - keeping your profile clean ensures potential employers see only your best self!

Instagram

Instagram is a social media platform that enables users to post photos and videos. With such a large user base, Instagram serves as an excellent way for job seekers to market themselves to potential employers while connecting with recruiters. Furthermore, many employers use Instagram to post jobs available within their organization as well as share company culture updates on the platform.

If you have an Instagram account, be sure it is professional in appearance by removing photos or posts that could embarrass a prospective employer from viewing. Change your username to something more professional as well. In addition, remove posts containing drugs, alcohol, sex content, politics or profanity that could harm either your job search or that could tarnish their reputation as potential employers.

Be sure to include #nowhiring in all Instagram posts featuring job advertisements to increase the chance of employers finding you and hiring you. Furthermore, consider creating an Instagram story dedicated to advertising the position - they last 24 hours and can include videos, links or text - plus they're easily saved as highlights on your profile!

Instagram may not be top of mind when searching for employment, but it can still be an effective tool to expand your network, showcase your skills and discover exciting employment opportunities. But it is important to keep in mind that using any social media platform is ultimately up to the user and requires self-discipline and moderation.

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