Looking for a new job? If it’s been a while since your last search, there are some trends to know about first, especially when it comes to your resume.
While a traditional resume is still important to have, you also need to take a more dynamic approach online. When you use social media to showcase your background and skills, you can essentially bring your experience to life through videos, blog posts, infographics, portfolio samples, and other content. The traditional resume and the dynamic social media posts complement and support one another, so you stand out as a candidate.
Taking this more digitized approach to your resume is especially important if you work in a field, like marketing, design or technology. However, even in industries, such as finance, accounting or healthcare, it can help you get noticed because you’re able to share more details, facts, and evidence about why you’re the best fit for the job. In essence, it helps you make a stronger, more compelling case.
The question is: how do you navigate this online world and use it to snag your next great job? Here are some tips to help you:
Tip #1: Know what to focus on.
When it comes to social media, there are certain channels that are more important than others to hiring managers. The most influential, of course, is LinkedIn. This is typically the first place a recruiter or hiring manager will look to find out about you.
It’s therefore important to have a persuasive online profile, optimize it for the jobs you’re looking for, and ensure it’s aligned with any hard copy resume you have. Also, post and share articles you’ve authored or from others and add your own perspective and thoughts. In addition, upload samples of your work, so you can use your profile as an online portfolio.
There are other channels to consider, depending on the job you’re looking for and the industry you work in. Of course, industry-focused social media makes sense, but so too do other sites, like Twitter.
You can use Twitter to demonstrate your interests, your personality, and your skill and expertise by tweeting insights and observations about industry trends, issues and news. Not only that, but you can use the site to connect with those who work at companies you’re interested in. This way, you’ll be more likely to hear about job openings in real-time and also have a connection to refer you.
Meanwhile, other channels, such as Snapchat, aren’t as good about communicating your strength as a candidate unless you work in a specific niche industry, like graphic design or social media.
Tip #2: Think outside the box.
There are many social media channels you can post to and build an online presence on. At the same time, there are others that can help you sell yourself for a specific job. For instance, you can make a YouTube video explaining what makes you a great hire. You can also discuss your skills and what sets you apart from other candidates.
If you work in a more creative field, you can use a Pinterest board to highlight your style and abilities. This will help hiring managers and potential employers to see, first-hand, how you think differently and more creatively. You can also create different boards for different jobs, so you can customize your approach and the content you pin and post.
Tip #3: Be careful about what you say online.
Social media is a great tool that can be an asset in your job search. At the same time, though, it can also sabotage your efforts. In today’s tech-driven world, companies often Google or vet candidates online before calling them for an interview. If anything negative comes up in search results or on social media, it can count against you.
So, while you might have strong opinions about an issue, be mindful that a future employer or recruiter can see them and decide whether or not to call you based on them. What you post on social media is public, even with privacy settings. So don’t share or say anything you can’t defend in front of a hiring manager.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to integrating social media into your job search and using it to stand apart in your job search. You’ll be far more than just a Word document, but a real, live person with tangible skills, abilities and characteristics. You will come alive for the hiring manager and therefore have a far greater chance of getting a call for a job interview. on sites like LinkedIn and Twitter with industry-relevant posts and content.
Need more help finding your next job?
At ResumeSpice, we’re here to support you through your search. We can work with you to completely revamp your resume and LinkedIn profile. Both will be polished and professional, so you get noticed. We can also offer career coaching and interview preparation, so you can make your case about why you’re a great fit with confidence. Simply call 832.930.7378 or contact us online to get started.
