Gone are the days when you used to publish your resume on handful of job portals to find a job matching your skills & experience. Over a period of time, LinkedIn has become a very important platform both for sending job applications as well as networking with potential employers. As an executive career coach, I have experienced that lot of clients who come to me generally consider LinkedIn nothing more than a job search portal. Couple of weeks back, I was speaking with a senior professional at a leading financial institution. When I enquired how he is leveraging LinkedIn for building professional network & scouting for better employment opportunities, I was surprised to know when he mentioned LinkedIn as just another job portal. Most of us do not consider social media as an integral part of job search strategy.
Social Media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Pinterest are used by potential employers for screening potential applicants. As shared in my earlier blog, personal branding of senior management impacts branding of the organisation they are working for. Without having a social media presence, you may be overlooked by potential employers. They may even assume that you are hiding something or failing to embrace new technology.
It is necessary to have an active social media presence, yet not required to be on every social media platform. Select that platform(s) that you feel fits you best as a person &/or professional. There are many ways to showcase your personality. Some may use video on Youtube or photos/graphics on Pinterest, others may have a flair for writing blogs or guest post. The idea is to select & establish your online persona where you can showcase both your personal & professional interests.
In case you still do not have an active social media presence, it’s perfectly fine. You can start from building your LinkedIn profile & connect people with whom you share common interests, passion, background etc. Once you have established that footing, you will soon start developing your network on other social media platforms as well.
I am You may consider the following while selecting appropriate social media platform(s):
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the most prominent recruiting network. Employers from everywhere are registered on this site, and you can connect with them directly or through your existing network. Showcasing your experience, skills and talent will help you connect with the right people/potential employers. Keep your profile up to date with your latest experience & outline your professional summary to enable employers to determine a potential fit.
- Twitter: It will take time to build network on Twitter. But once you have well established & credible network, it will provide a handsome opportunity to connect with industry leaders, influencers & potential employers. Sharing some important discussions or topics & expressing your view will showcase your interest levels. It will increase your visibility & credibility.
- Facebook: It is the second most popular network. Facebook bridges the gap between professional & personal network. Facebook displays your image & personality & provides all relevant information to prospective employers to evaluate a potential cultural fit.
- Pinterest: Whats the better way to share pictures of your travelling experiences or showcase new design you have created? Pinterest is a gem platform for people from creative background and designers, since it’s a great platform for displaying your creativity. You can use Pinterest as portfolio as your work. You can also use Pinterest to showcase presentation of your resume & /or professional experience, create board of work, accomplishments, awards & accolades, education & interests.
- Youtube: You can utilize Youtube to create effective & interactive online experience. You can make a short video resume explaining your background, skills, experience etc in a narrative.
