SPEAKER’S CORNER: Deborah Wheatman’s 4 Social Media Tips for Job Seekers

By Candace Waller
Debra Wheatman, the founder and president of Careers Done Write, shared her social media tips at the February 18 Breakfast Club meeting. As social media is here to stay, so job candidates need well-crafted social media plans to be successful.
The competition for jobs is fierce.  LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, the most commonly used channels for finding a position, have made jobs accessible on a global scale.  Recruiters and hiring managers must weed through many more resumes, stretching out the hiring process and making it harder for job seekers to stand out. Using social media is a way for job seekers to become known in a vast and multifaceted workforce.
1. Create a Digital Resume
A digital resume is similar to a mini-website that is all about you, with all of your accomplishments in one place. Here you can tell recruiters and hiring managers who you are and what you bring to the company and job. Be sure to include your volunteer activities. This information adds dimension to your profile and may open up new opportunities.
2. Author a Blog
Today’s workforce is made up of young people who use social media in their jobs. Publishing a blog related to your field–or a field you would like to break into–is a great way to present yourself as someone who is current and knowledgeable. Connect your blog to your social media channels as a way to build traffic and reach new people.
3. Use Twitter and Facebook
The sheer number of people on these sites makes it a great way to network. Many companies post jobs on Twitter. Twellow.com is a way to find contacts on Twitter and grow your followers. Facebook also has groups. Many companies are listed on Facebook. Enlist your friends and associates in your job-search by notifying them through Facebook that you are in the market for a new opportunity in a particular field.
When using these channels it is important to remember to share responsibly. Before posting vacation photos or speaking about a particular topic, think about how that will impact your job search.  Un-tag yourself in photos on Facebook or if you are uncomfortable with something, ask the person who posted it to take it down.
4.  Post Your Profile on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the place to be for job seekers.  To get to 100%, you must fill out your profile completely and include a photo. Don’t be shy if you are older or part of an ethnic group; the workplace is made up of all types of people and being diverse or a seasoned professional can work in your favor.
LinkedIn is a great place to learn about companies and connect with movers and shakers in your field. LinkedIn groups are a great way to connect. There are many groups that have a wide range of interests.  Some of them have open admission and others groups must approve members. Once you are in a group you can network with the members even if you are not connected to them.
Bonus Tips
Companies expect applicants to have a digital footprint; concerns are raised if you have nothing posted online.  Remember that what you post online is nearly impossible to remove. Job seekers should refrain from posting photos or other content that reflects negatively on them. For example, don’t post the pictures from girls’ night out!
Be diligent in monitoring your online presence. Googling yourself on a weekly basis should be the bare minimum. Klout.com measures an individual’s or company’s online presence; use it to monitor your online influence.
Debra Wheatman is the founder and president of Careers Done Write, a career services provider focused on developing personalized career road maps for senior leaders and executives across various industries. She can be reached at 877-389-SEEK (7335), or Debra@CareersDoneWrite.com.