Project 5 - Social Media and the Job Search
Due
- Group work research (see instructions below)
- Create your own LinkedIn account and complete the Summary, Education, Experience and Skills sections on your new LinkedIn page
- Send me, Craig Kunce, a connection request through your new LinkedIn account. I will review your site and assign you appropriate points
Group Work Instructions (In Class)
In class, get into your collaborative groups and complete the following:
- Which social media web sites are most recommended for your job search?
- Create a list of 10 "DOs" when using social media for your job search
- Create a list of 10 "DON'Ts" when using social media for your job search
- Cite your web site sources
- E-mail your instructor the information at kuncec@westerntc.edu
Get Connected, Socially
As I mentioned before, social media sites are a great way to connect with people and find job leads. LinkedIn seems to be the most popular and the one I have used most often to connect with past coworkers and friends. It also has some nice features that help you stay up-to-date and connected to your field. One feature I like to use is to receive e-mails that have links to articles I find interesting. Another feature is the ability to see job openings targeting me—based on my portfolio and professional interests. Even when I'm not looking for a new job, I'm still watching what job openings are coming across my LinkedIn page.
If you don't have a LinkedIn account, I would suggest you open one. Not only do they help connect you with a new network of people, just having an account shows a potential employer that you are a web-savvy, up-to-date person who follows current trends and technology.
Creating your LinkedIn Page
You must create a LinkedIn account for this class. Go to the LinkedIn web page (www.linkedin.com) and follow the simple instructions to create your account.
Once you create your account, complete the Summary, Education, and Experience sections.
Also check out the Applications section and consider using the SlideShare application—you can upload portfolio samples here.
Your Personal Web Presence
A while back I got an e-mail from a former student asking if I could help them with their job search. They were relocating and wondered if I could offer any advice. One of the first things I did was to look at their Facebook profile to see how they were representing themselves to the working world. Much to my amazement, their profile picture, front-and-center for all to see, was of this person and about five friends. Two friends were standing on the roof of a house, two were on the first story balcony, and my former student was on the ground level. They had cleverly built a two-story beer bong and were putting it to use. Needless to say, my first bit of advice was obvious.
Many employers are searching and viewing your web presence before they interview or hire you. They want to know what type of person they are hiring, and they have found that some candidates let it all hang out on the web. You should think about your personal and professional web presence before you begin applying for jobs. I suggest methodically combing through your social media pages and removing all information and pictures that may not put you in the best, or most professional, light. Even the seemingly innocuous photos of you having fun with your friends can make you seem like a party-girl or boy to a potential employer. Straighten up and fly right, you'll be thankful you did when you get your first job offer. And, you can always put a few pics back up once you're hired.
And… just when you think you have all your privacy setting in place, and think no employer will be able to see your social pages… I have heard and read several time that some employers tell you that your will be receiving a "friend" or "connect" request in the coming days, and they expect you to accept it so they can check you out. So, again, I suggest you take a serious look at your Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and Linkedin pages, and your YouTube video presence—and ask yourself if you are putting yourself in the proper light for potential employers to see you.