Tips for Using Social Media in Your Job Search

When looking for a job you need to consider a strategy that includes your social media network. Of course, spending time on social media can actually distract you from the task at hand so stay focused and consider the following tips for using social media in your job search.

1. On LinkedIn: Ask your LinkedIn connections for introductions to others working in jobs or places of interest to you. Be sure that you take a genuine interest when approaching these new connections rather than simply seeking them out to ask for work.

If you're not following companies of interest or your alumni association add that to your to-do list.

2. On Twitter: You can use twitter like any job search site and search on key words and job titles to find openings. As mentioned above, be sure to follow companies you're interested in because twitter is often the first place they'll post a new job opening.

3. On Facebook: Develop a plan to check in with some of your closest friends, colleagues, and mentors on a weekly basis. This doesn't have to be a large group. It only takes one person to know of the right job opening for you. When checking in with these friends feel free to provide a general update on your job situation and describe what it is you're looking for.

The best strategy for using social media in your job search is to cultivate genuine and lasting relationships with people in your network, offering up your skills and knowledge for the benefit of others rather than simply using social media as a way to get and take.

You might also check out 7 ways to use social media to land a job.

How do you use social media to benefit your career?