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Job Hunting Goes Social
The social networking scene is quite diverse these days. Not only are participants online to get acquainted with old friends and check out new places and people; social networking has fast become a key tool for finding a job...
In fact, as of October 2009, LinkedIn - the most popular social networking site for job seekers - hit a milestone 50 million users. By contrast, according to figures reported by TechCrunch, Facebook crossed the 300 million users worldwide threshold, securing their position as the largest social network. Twitter, with 10 million users, is becoming more than a consumer novelty and being integrated into business operations every day.
There is a difference, though, between pure social networking and using social networks to find a job. As one online expert described it, using social networking to find employment should be called employment networking. The purpose and approach are very different when your career is at stake, and filtering the type of information you choose to post or Tweet about is extremely important.
As with any job search, it takes persistence, resourcefulness, confidence, energy and involvement to be successful. We all know resumes do not find jobs; people do. So what are the top must-join social networking groups for IT job seekers to add to their mix of traditional job searching techniques? Here are Harvey Nash’s top three recommendations:
- Join Groups within LinkedIn.
Not only is LinkedIn the most widely used social network for online job hunting, but the variety of groups within LinkedIn, some started by individuals and some by companies, are equally important. These groups offer a community of people who are like-minded and in similar situations the opportunity to share common problems and seek solutions. Among the many LinkedIn groups outlined in the article, "10 LinkedIn Groups Every Job Seeker should Join," the following are worth exploring for IT professionals in particular. In addition, when you visit LinkedIn and click on "groups" and then search “information technology," you will find a long laundry list of specific IT groups.- IT Specialist: With 27,000+ information technology professionals, IT Specialist offers networking, news, jobs and featured discussions in information technology. The group also has 10 separate subgroups for more specific in-depth discussions related to IT.
- Information Technology Contracting: This group is focused on contractors in the information technology industry. It offers an opportunity to collaborate on challenges, discuss future technology and find upcoming contract openings.
- Star:Candidate for Hire: With nearly 15,000 members, this group is coined as the most efficient group on LinkedIn for finding a great job quickly. While this group is not specific to IT professionals - it is aligned with Linked:HR, which is the largest Recruiters’ Group on LinkedIn - recruiters are regularly reminded to check Star:Candidate for top prospects.
- IT Specialist: With 27,000+ information technology professionals, IT Specialist offers networking, news, jobs and featured discussions in information technology. The group also has 10 separate subgroups for more specific in-depth discussions related to IT.
- Become Twitter Savvy.
Twitter is growing in popularity as an extremely effective and convenient way to connect directly with recruiters and employees at companies of interest to you. According to "7 Secrets to Getting Your Next Job Using Social Media," conducting Twitter searches, following recruiters on your account and using the "@" sign to communicate with them on occasion, you will start to learn a lot about them and their companies. A word of caution, don’t post anything - personal or professional - you wouldn't want a prospective employer to see. Do make a point of posting news, commentary and respectful opinions on your industry - it will go a long way in establishing yourself as a confident, knowledgeable candidate. - Build Connections by Joining Relevant Industry Associations.
Professional and industry associations are becoming more involved in the social networking scene and useful for job seekers. Many have links to follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. In addition, when you add the association's name to your resume, that name can be used as a keyword by a recruiter conducting a search. Associations are also useful resources for information about your industry and often provide insights about job openings. TechServe Alliance, www.techservealliance.org, for example, offers members professional development tips and trends in the IT industry. In addition, the Web site www.job-hunt.org, which was recently touted as the "Best of the Web/Best Site for Finding Work," by U.S. News and World Report, Forbes and PC Magazine; links to over 800 national and international associations, most of which have local chapters where you can meet people face-to-face or where you can learn about other social networking channels specific to that association.
Today's highly competitive job market requires a new approach to job searches utilizing social media. With more professionals looking for fewer jobs, increasing the number of quality touch points through traditional job search methods and new social media approaches will set assertive job seekers apart.