How to Use Social Media to Find a Job

While networking on social media is viewed with suspicion, employers are paying more attention to how candidates appear online. A study from JobVite found that 92% of employers use or plan to use social networks in their recruiting and that 93% of recruiters use LinkedIn when looking for the ideal candidate.

While keeping social media accounts up-to-date is important, creating a social media resume can be one way to stand out in a crowd. How is a social resume different than a website or LinkedIn profile? Mashable says a “‘social resume” is beginning to gain traction, and refers to digital enhancements to the traditional paper or PDF curriculum vitae.” Forbes declared, “the traditional resume will be replaced by the breadth and depth of your personal brand.”

How to use social media to find a job

Companies have stepped up to the plate, providing tools and resources to help job seekers turn their online presence into a more polished resume. Resume Writers Ink offers social media services to help polish up a LinkedIn profile and social presence, while ResumeSocial allows job seekers a chance to share their resume and get feedback from the community.

Behance helps more creative professionals bring their portfolio online, and IT Resume Service recently debuted TweetsResume, a real-time tool that brings an individual’s social presence into their resume document.

What if you don't have social media?

If being chronically online feels more of a detriment to your wellbeing, don't worry. There are still plenty of ways to find a job without polishing up an online profile, but you should be aware of how your career path may be affected.

Are you in a comms-focused role, for instance? Marketing, public relations, outreach...these types of roles all involve some sort of social media marketing, so pursuing a career in these departments may require you to show off your social skills.

For other roles, consider how else you can build an online persona that feels more authentic. Creating an online portfolio of your work or using graphic design to showcase your past success can also stand out to future employers.

Having no social media may make you harder to find, but it won’t take you out of the running. Employers are looking for the right person, not just the right profile, so always focus on your professional growth first (and make sure your applications materials are in the best shape!).

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by Kimberly Maul