4 steps to using social media for uncovering the hidden job market

Social media is an important tool for today’s job seekers. How job seekers present themselves online can either help or hurt their job searches. This applies not only to visible job openings but also those in the hidden job market. Employers haven’t advertised these jobs publicly but need to fill them. The following webinar, 4 steps to using social media for uncovering the hidden job market, shares tips for using social media to learn about job opportunities along with other valuable information.

This webinar features Joshua Waldman, CEO and Founder, Career Enlightenment, who leverages social media to help people find employment. The webinar is moderated by Andrea McEwen-Henderson, former National Account Manager for College Recruiter.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Employers research job candidates online to learn more about them. College graduates must present themselves online in a professional manner.

2. Don’t consider your LinkedIn profile as an online resume or a place to copy and paste your paper resume. The profile and resume are different.

3. Manage your online reputation by publishing positive content that will show up in search results.

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Why do I need an online presence to find a job?

Employers search candidates online to learn more about them. It’s important for college graduates to present themselves online in a positive manner.

How do I create a personal brand to market myself?

First, know your message. What do you want to say to your audience? Consider two aspects: knowing who you are and understanding the needs of your audience.

What is the benefit of LinkedIn if I already have a resume?

Where you find yourself online is an extension of your personality. A resume is an isolated version of who you are on paper. LinkedIn sandwiches your resume, using a different context and medium to add more layers of you as a job candidate.

How can Twitter or Facebook help my job hunt?

Both sites provide networking opportunities. Candidates can learn about and build a list of potential employers. There’s also a chance to find out what is going on within companies and ask for informational interviews.

Is it possible to get a lead on a job before the position is even listed?

Yes. Learning about the hidden job market allows job seekers to have conversations about opportunities that have not been listed publicly. This increases their chances of getting jobs. Job seekers should network and demonstrate their value to employers.

Can blogging help me find a job?

Yes. However, be consistent with blogging. Hiring managers will eat up commitment and passion.

How do I stay up-to-date with social media changes?

Continue networking and building and maintaining relationships online and offline, especially with decision makers. You don’t know what’s going to happen when you start having conversations.

What if I get Googled? Can I manage my online reputation?

Candidates will get Googled and can manage their online reputations. They should start publishing content they want other people to read about them so it will show up in search results.

Joshua Waldman is an authority on leveraging social media to find employment. He is the author of Job Searching With Social Media For Dummies, and his writing has appeared in Forbes, Huffington Post, Mashable, and the International Business Times. Joshua’s career blog, CareerEnlightenment.com, won the About.com Reader’s Choice Award for Best Career Blog 2013. Joshua offers LinkedIn writing services and free job seeking tools at CareerEnlightenment.com.