www.graduateopportunities.com >> career advice 43


social media


How to use social media to find a job Ever dreamed about working on an island in the Whitsundays? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to work at an advertising agency? Or perhaps you love the idea of being an accountant?


Social media can help! All that’s involved in finding the job of your dreams – research, networking, writing your application, managing your reputation – can be assisted by social media to make your experience faster, more effective and more informed.


When looking for a job, the first thing you’re likely to do is research. If you have a presence on social media (and over 9 million Australians do!), then you’ll be able to get a better insight into the company and industry you’re interested in.


First off, use the network you already have. Ask your friends on Facebook what they think about a certain company or use Twitter to search for employees of the organisation you’re interested in and then contact them privately to see if you can pick their brains. You could ask them anything from “What is the work-life balance like?” to “What do you most enjoy about working there?”


Many companies, including a number in this book, now have a social media presence for recruitment purposes, often managed by employees or graduates themselves. This gives you a great opportunity to post a question on their Facebook page or leave a comment or question on the company blog and get a real, honest answer from someone who has the inside knowledge!


If you are going to contact a prospective employer on social media, keep in mind how you want to be perceived. For example, what does your profile picture say to the recruiter or prospective employer? And how does the language and tone you use in your message reflect your personality?


Keep in mind that prospective employers may be looking at your profile in the same way as you are looking at theirs – are you comfortable with what they would see?


Social media channels can also be used to expand your current network. There are often industry meet-ups and events that are shared, promoted and discussed on social media, such as PRINKS for Sydney PR professionals and journalists. Set yourself up with a social media profile and start following some of the key industry players (brands and people) so you can understand what it’s like to work in the industry and discover events you could attend to learn more and meet potential employers.


Keep in mind that you don’t need to have a well- established career to have a profile on LinkedIn. Many graduates develop profiles as a starting point to join industry groups, grow their professional network and stay on top of industry trends.


When networking online, keep in mind the same etiquette applies online as it does offline. That means be polite, represent yourself with integrity, add value to the conversation and listen to others, as much as – if not more than! – talking yourself. But most of all, be yourself!


By Hannah Law, Head of Social Media, Switched On Media. For more information visit www.switchedonmedia.com.au.


73% of HR recruiters surveyed in the uSA use some form of social media to recruit... and trends in Australia are set to follow! Jobvite; recruiting.jobvite.com


Facebook: www.facebook.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com MySpace: www.myspace.com


PRiNKS: prinksblog.wordpress.com twitter: www.twitter.com Zoominfo: www.zoominfo.com


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