Using the Web and Social Media for Job Search

This is the first of a series of articles I plan to write. It reflects on some of the principles I teach active job seekers. I show how social media can expand their job search network in monthly classes I teach at Indian Trails Public Library in Wheeling. Job seekers can also make themselves more attractive to potential employers by increasing their skills by learning social media tools and applications.

Social media has literally changed the way people and now businesses communicate. Just what is social media in the first place? According to Wikipedia: “social media refers to the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into an interactive dialogue”.

I have been known to take a contrarian opinion on certain subjects. With that in mind, to me 'social' means a group of associated or like minded individuals. These may be family, relatives, work or business associates, fraternal, religious, neighborhood or larger communal organizations.

'Media' is broadcasting, or publishing your message to get your brand known out on whatever streets you select as your target. Just think of the bands of kids selling newspapers on the corner years ago. The example now is the corner can now be the entire world and you have the ability to publish digitally anywhere throughout the Web at a relatively low entry cost.

So how does this effect job seekers?

Unbeknownst to most job seekers who have sheltered themselves from the social business aspect of social media, countless jobs are broadcast and filled over social media sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn and even Facebook. The long term approach of finding a job listing in the newspaper and replying with a mailed resume, or more recently posting a resume on a site such as Monster.com, has been replaced with the speed and efficiency of instant communications.  This is in light of most business' low or no cost in contacting a relatively very large, technologically attuned labor pool.

If you have any doubt just go to a site call hashtags.org. Note: “The # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keyword or topic in a Tweet. Any Twitter user can categorize or follow topics with hashtags.” Drop in #BuffaloGrove in the search box and <Enter>. The photo image shows the first three results. All 16 results were for jobs in the Buffalo Grove area as of this morning. You do not need a Twitter account to do this.

SimplyHired.com is a search engine portal building a large database of jobs to make job search easier. Sign up for free and receive daily emails for job titles you select.

LinkedIn is the world's largest business networking community. It is also a resource for jobs for both active and passive (not looking but will listen to an offer) job seekers.

• It has a job search function (see photo image). Job openings are also listed in groups ranging from professional through industrial, alumni, company, fraternal organizations, schools, etc.
• Company searches allow you to target companies or connect with individuals.
• You can follow individual companies as well if they are your target.
• Its 'Signal' is a consolidated news source of topics of interests as well as jobs being discussed.

The business world demands an ever expanding use of technology. Business leaders and marketers are learning the relative merits of using social media to keep in touch with customers and prospective clients. Just look at the exodus of Pepsi from the Super Bowl two years ago and Proctor and Gamble from day times soaps. Both have thrown those assets into the Web and Internet marketing. Big business goes towards where the money is to be made.

As a result of this shift in communications, jJobs are to be found on the Web as well. Learn to use the tools at your disposal, they are free. There is just a learning curve you must address. It is merely a matter of setting your priorities straight.  The resources are available.

To be continued....