Social Media and the Job Search: For Better or Worse

Social media is completely changing the way people search for jobs, and it is changing the way employers make hiring decisions.  As a job seeker, it is important to understand how your social media accounts impact your job search for better or worse.

First, you must to understand is that employers look at your social media accounts. Social media provides a great deal of information about candidates so employers feel they would be putting themselves at a disadvantage by not utilizing it. Keep in mind that anything you put online never really goes away. Your social media accounts will either be an advantage or a disadvantage to your job search.

Second, it is beneficial to understand what employers are looking for when they peruse your social media accounts. In a survey managed by CareerBuilder, employers were asked why they used social networks to research candidates and employers stated that they use social media to…

• See if the job seeker presents him or herself professionally
• Determine if a candidate is a good fit for the company culture
• Learn more about his or her qualifications
• Determine whether the candidate is well-rounded
• Find reasons not to hire the candidate

Finally, you need to understand how to use your social media accounts in a way that has a positive effect on your job search. Make sure your photos reflect you in a positive light. It is your social media account, so it is up to you to ensure that it reflects you positively. Make sure that the topics, that you post about and the language you use show the best side of you. Here is a good suggestion, write what you want to say on a piece of paper or in a note app on your phone, wait ten minutes, then go back and read it and ask yourself if it is something you want associated with you forever. Emphasize your positive attributes; don’t just use your social media account to let off steam.  Instead, use it to show how well rounded you are. Careful maintenance of your social media accounts will make all the difference in your job search.

Qualified, but not Qualified Enough

Qualified, but Not Qualified Enough

It seems like every available position nowadays has one line included on the job requirements that automatically excludes many college students: “This Many years of experienced required.”

This can be a difficult and frustrating situation to navigate. Countless college students and graduates feel well-qualified for positions in their field because they have spent a few years studying the content; however, employers often require on-the-job experience outside of education.

Here are a few tips to help when it feels like you’re qualified, but not qualified enough:

1. Deliberately Search for Entry-Level Positions. Just because they are entry-level does not mean that they are not competitive. Do research and networking even for the most “basic” job in your field.

2. Consider a Co-Op. A co-op or internship could help you gain experience in your field easier than searching for a position on your own. Check with the career services department at your school or alma mater, or even visit your local career center. Companies collaborate with these groups to hire individuals with no experience specifically for the purpose of a co-op.

3. Never Stop Learning. Read job descriptions, interview people who have the job you want, and consider testing for more certifications and attending seminars. All of these things help to boost your resume, enhance your knowledge, and help you discover skills that are in demand. The more you learn, the more you can steer your resume to validate your knowledge and expertise.

 

One important element to remember is that the years of experience employers “require” aren’t necessarily strict cut-offs. Companies are mainly looking for someone who can demonstrate the skills necessary to efficiently and accurately perform the job.

If you believe that abilities you’ve acquired in other settings (i.e. school, previous positions, projects, and volunteering) will allow you to do the available work accurately, then make sure those talents are listed on your resume and apply! The worst they can say is, “Please try again later.”