This month on the Viadeo blog, our chosen theme is “New Year, New You”. We want to give you a hand to achieve your professional goals by bringing you our top tips on recruitment and job hunting.
At the beginning of every year, millions of people around the world make resolutions for the upcoming year. They set themselves a goal, aim to change something they are not satisfied with or vow to do something differently.
Whether or not you choose to make a new year’s resolution, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to give yourself a clean slate and a fresh start. Particularly if you are looking for a job or a new challenge, the beginning of the year is a great time to start your search.
The start of a new year is a great time to begin the search for your next challenge
As the current employment market becomes more challenging and social recruiting becomes a viable method of finding talent, using professional social networks and platforms in your job search is an increasingly effective way of landing your dream position.
Amplifying your presence on various social networking platforms is an excellent way of advertising your strengths and communicating directly with people in your chosen area.
So what are the most important factors to consider when using social media to find a job? Here are a few steps to get you started:
- Do Your Research
Before you begin your hunt for your dream position, do your homework! If you have a clear idea of what you want to do and a list of companies you are interested in, research their backgrounds and find out as much as you can about their mission statements and goals. If the company goals compliment your own professional goals, chances are it will be a great fit! Before you start manically filling out applications, make sure you have the basic background information on the industries and companies you are applying for.
If you are a recent graduate, for example, and have a more vague idea of what area you are interested in, take the time to research an array of different companies and businesses. Follow businesses you are interested in on different social networks, and connect with people already in those industries on professional networking platforms like Viadeo. The more you can demonstrate your understanding and background knowledge of a particular business, the more you will shine!
Remember that the job hunt is not a race. Whether you are looking for your first job or your thirtieth, make sure that whatever path you choose truly compliments your strengths and professional goals.
- Maximise and Amplify your Online Presence
The first step to using the social media toolbox in your job search is to make sure you know what each tool does and how it can benefit you. When applying for jobs online, the first impression that your prospective employers will have of you comes from how you represent yourself digitally. Make sure that if you use professional social networks like Viadeo and also networks like Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus that you are representing yourself in a way that you would want prospective employers to see you.
Social media provides a wide variety of useful tools for job hunting
If you’re not yet, separate the content and information you share into personal and public categories. If you have information or pictures that you wouldn’t want potential employers to see, alter your privacy settings.
Next, as well as Viadeo make sure that you are using a variety of different networking platforms available to you as these may prove more effective than you think!
Joining professional social networks is a great way to network, because the community is aimed specifically at the professional world. Networks like Viadeo allow you to permeate the job market that you are interested in and to advertise your professional strengths. Make sure to update your professional profile so that it is as detailed and relevant as possible. Your profile is your chance to truly stand out from the crowd, so make sure to highlight your strengths and why you are a perfect fit for the industry. Generally, employers will spend an average of 10 seconds reading each profile or CV they receive. This means it is vital that yours grabs and more importantly keeps their attention.
- Use the power of your network to its full potential
Networking online can be tricky to get the hang of, but the benefits are immeasurable. Search for industry experts or particular companies you are interested in, and connect with them. Connect with them on Viadeo, follow them on Twitter or read their company blogs. Then, gradually expand your influence on the networks you use by engaging with more people. Share interesting content, start discussions and answer questions. The more you connect with people and show that you are a valuable member of a network, the more you will stand out.
It is not enough simply to connect, “friend” or “follow” someone. Check for interesting discussions, engage in conversation and look at the circles of the people you connect with online. Your network may be much stronger than you think!
If the new year has sparked your interest in a great new opportunity or a change of pace, start your job hunt by using all that social media has to offer!
Our Facebook page also features some great tips on professional social networking, job searching and recruitment from Viadeo insiders. Check our wall for useful tips throughout the month. Do you have any killer networking tips or pointers on finding a job? If so, we’d love to hear them!
