We’ve all spent countless hours “Likeâ€-ing our friends new puppy and retweeting our fave celebrity tweets, but have you considered using these social media platforms to find a job?
The social stats: Companies rely on social media to screen potential candidates. According to Adweek.com, 93% of companies use LinkedIn, 66% use Facebook and 54% use Twitter for recruiting. It’s way easier for a company to use social media and, on average, requires 20% less time for an employer to find a new hire.
And get this: roughly 30% of the time if a job candidate doesn’t have a social media presence, they won’t get hired. Sure, it depends on the type of job, but better to appear socially savvy than not.
[bctt tweet=”30% of job candidates who don’t have a social media presence won’t get the job.” username=”hostgator”]
When we think about social media and job-hunting, there are some dos and don’ts:
Do: Retweet/share an inspirational TED Talk.
Don’t: Retweet/share an endless stream of Kardashian family photos.
Listen, we won’t judge you if you dig the Kardashians, but think about which of those two options makes you a more appealing job candidate.  Â
We recommend beginning with one social media outlet to start your job hunt and then progressing to other platforms. Be consistent, and remember that you are your brand.
Which Social Media Platform is Best for Your Job Search?
LinkedIn is the most widely used platform for job hunters and employers. Use LinkedIn to post resume info, interests and achievements. You can search LinkedIn to find people who work in your field or for a specific company. And did you know there’s an app for that? LinkedIn offers a free app you can use to search for jobs by keywords, location and industries while on-the-go. You can also follow your favorite companies and receive hiring notifications. The app syncs with your LinkedIn profile and can make job recommendations based on your profile. LinkedIn also offers a paid Premium account where you can compare yourself to other applicants and even get estimated salary info.
Oh, and to look even fancier on LinkedIn, add your skills and get endorsed for them by your colleagues. Need more endorsements? Try endorsing others. People usually react in kind.
If you already use Twitter for fun, consider creating a separate Twitter account for professional use only. Use hashtags to follow industries and companies in your field. Let people know you’re job hunting by using hashtags such as #Jobs, #Hiring, #Careers. You can follow industry trends by using specific hashtags: #Marketing or #Accounting. Follow industry leaders and if you find a person who tweets good advice, tell them. Think of this as a networking opportunity. Don’t just be a follower but create your own following by tweeting industry-related facts that you’ve learned.
We’re hiring! Check out all our open career opportunities at https://t.co/g36iorR0Zu
— HostGator (@HostGator) March 30, 2016
Increasingly, employers are using Facebook to screen job candidates. If you don’t want that top five accounting firm to see what a crazy (I mean, crazy) good time you had in Cancun, make sure your settings are private and delete any questionable pictures or posts.
If you want to stay public enhance your job profile by adding work experiences under the “About†section of your profile.
Search for friends who know people at companies you like. Join groups from your college and high school and let them know you are job hunting. So you don’t bore your non-professional friends, create a professional group from your current Facebook friends and share industry-related news with them.
Instagram is a must for creative professionals. And Instagram portfolios are a thing. You can even link your Instagram account to your LinkedIn profile so employers can see your body of work.
Awesome for consultants or freelancers, Pinterest is a great place to show off your copywriting and graphic design skills. Set up your profile with pics of your own designs, infographics, and industry-related products that interest you.
If you’re really proud of the work you’re presenting via social channels, link to them from your resume. Social media gives job applicants the opportunity to show themselves as a thoughtful, well-rounded person; so much more than just a piece of paper.
Snapchat
Okay, maybe it’s a long shot, but Snapchat is becoming a more legit way for companies to make money and for people to get found. Just ask Michael Platco who turned his goofy Snapchat pics, drawings, and storytelling into a massively successful freelancing career with clients like Walt Disney World.
In today’s world, anything is possible, so get out there, get social and get the job of your dreams!
Ever land a job through social? Hit the comments and tell us about it!
Besides social media, a sure way to stand out among other job candidates is with your own website. Leverage your online presence by showcasing your work. Build your personal brand today with a web hosting plan from HostGator – starting as low as $3.95/mo.
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Written by Jennifer Carlisle