If you’re looking to make the most of the Internet in your job search, make sure to check out the following websites and applications:
Twitter
You can
raise your visibility as a job seeker or expert in your field by using Twitter to participate in discussions on topics that you are well versed in. This will position you as a knowledgeable professional.
Job seekers need to be on Twitter because recruiters are using it to source candidates by searching for keywords in their bios. I suggest
job seekers put a link to their LinkedIn profiles or web resumes so recruiters can go to another site for more in-depth information since Twitter’s strength is its brevity.
Twellow.com
You can expand your network by finding thought leaders and other professionals in your field using Twellow.com. Twellow has many different categories you can search for people by. Since you don’t need anyone’s permission to follow them (unless their tweets are protected), you can follow anyone you like, and most people will follow you back. You can also check to see who the people you are following are retweeting. Those people may be good for you to follow as well.
TweetMyJobs.com
To find open positions I recommend job seekers use TweetMyJobs.com. It is a service that provides instant notification of jobs to job seekers via text message, and it takes about eight seconds to apply for a position. Job seekers can subscribe to as many of the more than 7,500 channels as they like, specifying job titles and geographic locations. You can follow TweetMyJobs on Twitter at @TweetMyJOBS.
LinkedIn
Many recruiters are searching social media sites for candidates instead of posting positions on job boards. They check out potential candidates’ profiles on LinkedIn before contacting them.
In addition to creating a profile on LinkedIn, job seekers can raise their visibility on LinkedIn by participating in groups and answering questions on the Answers section on LinkedIn. Recruiters have a favorable view of candidates who earn Best Answer by providing thoughtful answers to questions posed on the Answers section.
Also, I recommend job seekers use the Jobs section on LinkedIn to find open positions. LinkedIn will automatically notify you of any connections you have to the company that has the job vacancy. This is a very useful feature since it’s always helpful to try to network your way in to a company.
Facebook
You can join groups on Facebook that based on topics that interest you as a job seeker. Once you are a member of a group you can then identify people in the group who you want to friend. Group members are likely to be very open to friending you because you already have the group in common. You might say something like, “I see we are both members of the Accountants in Government group. I am very interested in connecting with other professionals in the field, and I would like for you to join my network.” This is a great way to grow your network and find out about job opportunities.
Easy CV
You can use this application on Facebook to post a mini version of
your resume on your Facebook profile.
Brave New Talent
This is a social networking application that allows you to connect with
employers directly and join employers’ online communities.
Social networking image from Shutterstock
