Social media has become one of the most important aspects of many individuals' lifestyles. Whether it's to meet new people or to catch up with our friends and families, social media has become one of the go-to tools. Social networking sites such as LinkedIn have been one of the top places for recruiters to search for professionals and prospective candidates. Thus, it is becoming increasingly important that students who are looking for jobs or networking opportunities to create a LinkedIn account.
An important job hunting tip for LinkedIn users is to have a complete profile, provided that your profile serves as your online resume for recruiters to view. It is essential for recruiters to have a comprehensive summary of your abilities, skills, experiences, and other attributes that will set you apart from the crowd. You may also want to ask your current or previous employers, colleagues and clients for recommendations, which is similar to a reference letter.
Another tip is that instead of relying on recruiters to find you on LinkedIn, leverage the website's group directory. There are many group pages set up by recruiters and businesses that are regularly updated with job openings and discussions that you can participate in the network with other professionals and recruiters.
Other social media sites like Twitter and YouTube can also be beneficial for your job search. Prior to connecting with anyone on Twitter, you will want to update your profile info first. This info should include location short bio, where you're from and a link, such as LinkedIn, where recruiters can obtain further information about you. You should also post an appropriate picture of yourself instead of a random celebrity or cartoon character to enhance your credibility and professionalism. Once the profile is completed, you can start following different recruiters on Twitter and learn about their companies
Creating and uploading a video resume to websites like Youtube is not a common practice yet, but has become increasingly popular in a time when everyone is trying to differentiate themselves from other candidates. If you do decide to create a resume video, make sure it is short and concise and clearly communicates your strengths and personality.
Whether you are using social media or not, having a great resume is still one of the most important aspects of job search success. You can build up your resume by getting involved in student-run events, student clubs or professional associations and participating in the Cooperative Education program. Need help with your resume? Make an appointment with a career advisor or peer student today and give your resume the much-deserved makeover it needs.
