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.
Social media is rapidly reshaping the recruitment landscape. With more people than ever finding jobs through social networks (a recent study by recruiting platform Jobvite revealed that one in six Americans found their jobs through social networks) having a strong online presence is becoming just as valuable as a flawless CV.
Whether you’re currently searching for a job, looking for a new opportunity or preparing for an interview for your dream job, brushing up on your social media skills is a great way of giving your application an extra boost.
1. Amplify your Presence
The first thing every application needs is an up-to-date, detailed and well-presented CV, as this is what will ultimately land you the interviews! However, keep in mind that in many industries today, the impression you give of yourself online is equally as important as how you present yourself on paper.
Recruiters are increasingly turning to social media to conjure up a more informed picture of candidates. A recent study by the social media monitoring service Reppler showed that a staggering 91% of recruiters use social media to screen applicants (via Social Business Today).
Support your job search with social media
If you are already active on Viadeo or other professional networks, make sure that your online profile is updated, detailed and relevant. Many head-hunters approach candidates directly through professional social networks, and so it is crucial to keep your profile in tip top condition.
If you have a profile but rarely engage on the platform, try to get to know the network better. On Viadeo search for new connections to make by looking at your suggested connections. Go further by searching for companies you are interested in and connect with influential people within them. A great way to up your involvement on Viadeo is to use the “Engage” tab. Interact with other member in forums and communities to become a more active member. These are all ways of finding new opportunities.
If you use other social media platforms or have your own blog or website, consider including links in your application where appropriate. Particularly if you are applying for a role in digital marketing, or PR a great way to show that you understand how to use social media is to let recruiters see examples of how you use it. If you write your own blog posts, include links in your application to show employers your writing style and interests.
Additionally, if your work is portfolio based, having it accessible online on a blog, personal website or through Flickr, YouTube and other media based channels is a great way to show your recruiter your skills and achievements in a more creative way.
2. Do Your Homework
Social media makes researching organisations and industries easy and much more targeted. Whether you are preparing for an upcoming interview or simply exploring industries and companies you are interested in, use various social media platforms to research a specific company’s background, history, competitors and position in the industry. Besides thoroughly reading the company website and any relevant press releases or reports, expand your research to include social media.
If the business has a Twitter account, Facebook page, or profile on a professional network, read them and see who they interact with. What is their tone when talking to fans or customers? Are they active on these networks or do they only update them occasionally?
You could also look for specific people on social networks. Research key influencers in the industry. See what networks they use, what they are talking about, and how they engage with their networks. It will give you great insights on the true nature of the business and how you could fit into it.
Twitter lists are a great way to organise your search. Divide key people and influencers into different categories to customise your news stream and to make it easier to communicate with specific people. Use hash tags to search for specific jobs, companies, people and topics to get a more well-rounded idea of important subjects, what people are talking about and who major influencers are.
3. Expect the Unexpected
Social recruitment is continuously altering the job searching process, which means it is important to adjust to the changes. Particularly if you are applying for social media-savvy companies, make sure you get an idea of their recruitment and interview processes.
For example, some recruitment agencies or businesses ask for a video application. Some may ask you to answer tech or social media related questions as part of the application process. For more creative applications, many people have begun to create infographic CVs or resumes which include QR codes. Although this kind of application may not apply to the positions you are looking for, be aware that is OK to be creative where appropriate.
In terms of interview formats, be prepared for businesses who take a different approach. Many companies require candidates to complete a telephone interview before a face-to-face interview. Interviews via Skype are not uncommon either. If you are interviewing for a position in another country, it is very likely that you will have a Skype interview. Prepare for the interview the same way that you would a face-to-face interview.You can even practice with friends or relatives on Skype to get a feel for communing via video. Will we even see interviews taking place on Google+ Hangouts?
Some companies even opt for “speed interviewing”, a process not unlike speed dating in which the employers interview candidates much more quickly than in a traditional interview in order to see a maximum number of candidates and to learn their strengths quickly.
As the way in which we search for jobs transforms and develops, the ways in which we apply and interview for position is also changing. Be prepared for unconventional ways of hiring and interviewing!
Social media is becoming more and more effective in supporting the job hunting and recruiting processes. If you are beginning your job search this month or are preparing for a looming interview, take the time to explore how social media and professional social networks can support you in your hunt.
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!
For more helpful job hunting tips, check out our last post on how to use social media to land your dream job.
