Playing on Facebook could land you a job

More companies are looking to social media for talent acquisition.

The hours that you spend creeping and trolling on Facebook might just do you some good. According to a Jobvite survey, 89% of US companies plan to use social media as a tool for recruiting in 2012. Companies seize the opportunity for a more modern approach to talent acquisition, one that saves time and costs less than traditional ads and job boards. 55% of companies surveyed plan to increase their budgets for social recruiting.

Social recruiting may take the place of traditional HR methods for smaller companies. By nearly eliminating this department, the small firms can pay less per hire and hire faster without a middleman.

This is mixed news for job hunters. Electronic hiring can be as impersonal and inflexible as electronic banking. It’s often harder to get questions answered and more difficult to complete a follow-up outreach that feels effective. Also, if you’re the type that makes your best first impressions in person or over the phone, you’ll be reduced to whatever hype you can create on your electronic profile.

That means that your electronic profile must be perfect. Today, it is vital to create a separate social media presence for work and personal use. Keep the former clear of anything that could be considered unprofessional or uncouth. Also limit the contacts that you have as “friends,” as they will be a reflection of your professional personality.

It’s important that potential employers can find you online. When creating an electronic profile, include keywords that are pertinent to your field. Integrate these terms seamlessly into your resume and profile; the proper terms can improve your profile’s search engine returns and a well-written profile will hold employers’ attention. Avoid tossing in ample keywords that seem choppy and unrelated. Companies like Alias can help you get started.

Keep your resume, art portfolio, and contact information up to date at all times. Check your email regularly and respond to inquiries using professional language—no netspeak, emoticons, or any other fluff that might make an employer raise an eyebrow. If you want to stand out, make wise diction choices instead. Be prompt in your response times since you are competing with talented job seekers worldwide. Don’t sleep on a good opportunity!

Lastly, never stop learning. Keep your profile attractive and active by continuing your education. Attend conferences. Obtain licenses and certifications. Participate in events that are relevant to your career. In a fast-paced, ever-changing environment it is important to stay abreast of developments. Don’t let yourself become outdated.

 

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