Social Media
- Job Search Using Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking tool that allows users to add friends, update their profile, and join work or school networks. Friends are users with an account with Facebook, and can only be added by request. Users can also send and post messages to their friends, create events, and be a part of groups and games.
Facebook currently has 500 million active users, 50% of whom are on Facebook daily. An average user has 80 fan pages, events, and groups that they are a part of. In total, people spend 700 billion minutes per month on Facebook. Facebook is more complex than Twitter. Issues about privacy settings and transparency are more intricate. The current Facebook user must use discretion on what to put up and what not to put up.
In terms of professional networking, privacy issues are important. Employers have started screening for potential employees through Facebook. It has become a digital space where employers can get to know you and your personality. Therefore, it is essential to draw a line between your personal and public life. If you have a current account with a lot of personal information, consider creating a separate account for professional use. However, you can also opt to streamline your current Facebook. If you have a Twitter account, consider connecting both accounts through Hootsuite. This will ensure that your posts are consistent with each other.
- Job Search Using LinkedIn
Benefits of using LinkedIn
Overview
LinkedIn is a professionally oriented social media site used for career networking. With more than 150 million users, LinkedIn allows you to exchange information, ideas and opportunities with other people in your field. Used effectively it can be a great tool for networking and job searching for both recent graduates and experienced professionals. It is a place where individuals connect with job-seekers, and where broad cross-industry groups can collaborate to figure out the hottest trends in the professional world.
Benefits of using LinkedIn
Used correctly, LinkedIn conveys the same information as a good resume and establishes an entire host of relationships that cannot be targeted using traditional job search methods.
- It is a learning tool that allows users to establish new business relationships by joining alumni, industry, professional and/or other relevant groups affiliated with their current university/college, alma mater, industry and/or job function.
- Through these connections, users pose questions, learn about resources, and share ideas with colleagues from other organizations around the world.
- Users can research companies where they may be interested in working as well as find jobs, and determine where someone with similar qualifications has gained employment.
LinkedIn: Getting Started LinkedIn: How To Guide LinkedIn: Do's and Don'ts 
LinkedIn How-To Checklists
Build A Professional Profile Conduct Essential Employer Research Network Professionally
- Job Search Using Twitter
Overview of Twitter
Twitter is a social networking tool that enables people to create accounts and review other accounts. These accounts allow users to post and read short messages called tweets, either publicly or privately. Those who subscribe to others’ Twitter accounts are called followers. Twitter is the fastest growing social media site. Between 2008-2009, Twitter grew at an astounding 1,382%. It is a simple tool that can help you in your job search and networking pursuits. You can connect with companies, organizations, and contacts within your area of interest. Read bios of whom you are following, and those who are following you, to get insight into their interests
The great thing about Twitter is that there is less pressure than other social media sites. There is no hassle over photos, personal information, etc. All you need to do is follow and be followed. You can tweet daily through your computer or smartphone. Setting up an account is easy! Go to Twitter.com and create a username and password. You can also download the application on your smartphone and tweet away. If you have a Facebook account, consider connecting both accounts through Hootsuite. This will ensure that your posts and tweets are consistent with each other. It is also a more manageable way to keep track of your posts.
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