Using social media for job search networking can be well worth it if it is done correctly. Facebook is a great social networking platform that can be used for many positive reasons. You can reconnect with long lost friends and family, share photos, ideas, and videos, and use it as a job search networking or marketing tool in your job hunt.
When using Facebook though, there are some things that you should keep in mind. Feel free to use Facebook and LinkedIn as a place to connect with people within your company, organization, community, group, business, family, etc. It’s a great platform for communication, sending and receiving ideas and documents, and networking in your job search.
Don’t post inappropriate pictures of yourself or let yourself be tagged by friends in non-professional photos. As a professional adult using Facebook, you don’t want colleagues, your boss, or your employees to see you partying or engaging in inappropriate activities. These types of pictures present a negative image of yourself and can result in ruining your professional reputation or, even worse, can cause concerns about your character leading to your possible dismissal from your place of employment.
Would Facebook Enhance Job Search Networking?
You can use Facebook to search for jobs, acquire new contacts within your professional community, and foster new professional relationships. It is a great way to advertise yourself and get the word out to the Facebook community about upcoming events, campaigns, and your active job hunt.
Remember that what you write on Facebook will be seen by many people, not just friends and family, but a potential hiring authority. You may need to sensor yourself. Even though Facebook tends to have rules regarding foul and offensive language, remember to abstain from this at all costs. Nothing says unprofessional like swearing. Also remember to not speak about inappropriate subjects, including insulting your boss, making fun of your job, or talking about anything that is offensive or cruel. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable saying it in a job interview, don’t say it on Facebook.
Keeping these tips in mind, Facebook can be a great place to socialize, network, market your brand, and connect with people. When used properly, Facebook can be a great tool for projecting your professional profile and helping you in your job search.
Have any other social networking tips to offer? Comment and share below! Reach out to Candace if you need help creating a professional online presence.