COULD SOCIAL MEDIA HELP YOU GET A JOB?

The statistics on social media continue to rise. Facebook has nearly 850 million users, Twitter more than 125 million, LinkedIn over 150 million, and Google+ over 90 million. Together, social media users comprise about one-tenth of the world’s population. So, with the proliferation of social media, how could a job-seeker use these tools to capture a job?

While UniversityAve.net states that 16% of job seekers obtained their jobs through social media, and most of those individuals were under the age of 40, the use of social media for job seekers is far from commonplace. So, if you commit your resume to the minions who respond to advertised jobs, your chances of receiving a response tops out at about 3%. Not so good odds. 

And while using social media may make you appear multidimensional, getting the attention of a prospective employer requires a well-planned and executed strategy that may or may not land you where you want to be. Further, it would take significant luck to latch onto a job in manufacturing or engineering unless you have developed a personal brand that shows off high-level technical expertise or specialized in-demand skills.

That’s not to say that creating a robust personal brand for use with social media is without merit. While common knowledge has employers digging for dirt on potential hires, the landscape is changing. 

In addition to posting job opportunities on social networks, recruiters also source applicants. Recruiters and staffing firms now use social media platforms to connect with candidates for more than 80% of job openings. 

Therefore, job-seekers, target those recruiters in your area or your industry that emphasize social media.

Recruiting companies increasing use of social media 
According to OnlineDegrees.com, recruiters spend about six seconds reviewing a candidate’s profile. Connecting with them requires thinking of your social media presence as your cover letter. Scouting your posts, tweets and profiles helps a recruiter match you to an open position in their job bank, but also predict the likelihood of your success in a potential job. 

A study by professors at Cornell University discovered that applicants were less likely to fabricate past work experience on their LinkedIn profile than on a traditional resume. Nearly 95% of recruiters have successfully hired candidates through LinkedIn.

Using social media to connect with a recruiter?
Make a good impression fast. Check out Time Staffing Inc. online and take a few seconds to register. We’re actively recruiting talented individuals to fill our ongoing open positions.