Can Social Networking Aid In Job Hunting

Can Social Networking Aid In Job Hunting?
Stuart R. Crawford
Bulletproof InfoTech
stuart.crawford@bulletproofIT.ca
403.206.2233

Don’t forget the basics
Knowledge of self is key
Don’t shoot everything that moves
Don’t “settle” for what you think you can get
Articulate soft skills and work achievements
Master this first, then try new things

Know how to hunt
60 to 70% of jobs are found via:
Networking
Career marketing
Delivering value to those in need
Only 15 to 20% of jobs are found through ads
Manage your time, focus on relationships
Remember, you are in sales – the business of selling you
Creating a memorable and positive impact with every interaction

Something to remember
It’s not who you know, it is who knows you
Every person has a circle of influence of about 250 people
How do you tap into this valuable resource?
Know, Like, Trust
Resumes, need not attend
Have a plan

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will lead you there”

So….What does Social Media have to do with this?

Welcome to Social Media
What is Social Media?
Are you ready for Social Media?
Is the job market ready for Social Media?
The Pace of Change
Are you able to keep up?
Where do you start?
Are you feeling just a bit overwelmed?

Why is Social Media important?
Why is Social Media so important?
Why is Social Media so important right now?
The evolution of the work force

The industrial age
The information age
The participation age

Business clubs, job clubs, events
People you know – linking to new contacts
Mostly local, occasionally regional
Mostly peers
New phenomenon of social networking
People you know – linking to new contacts
Local +regional / national / global
Peers +influencers and deciders

Old-school vs. ‘New” networks

Change is coming!

Are you ready for change?

Changes in the way business in done
Changes in the way employers interact with staff
Changes in the way people look for you
Changes in the way people find information about you
Changes in the way people talk about you
Changes in the way we need to approach the job market

Change is coming, change is here
The old way simply doesn’t work

Remember this…
Information is a commodity
If you search hard enough, someone has posted what you know for free
Information which used to separate us
Everything is free

But really…
Haven’t we been using Social Media and Social Networking forever
Coffee klatches
Telephone
Lunch meetings
Networking events
PTA
Service clubs
Haven’t we been social all along? What has changed?

What the experts say…
“If you’re job hunting, you may be tired of everyone telling you to network, network, network. Sorry. But it’s a fact: networking is the no. 1 way to find a job. And now, thanks to a new invention you may have heard of, “the Internet,” you have a bigger and better way to network”
Karen Burns
Karenburnsworkinggirl.com

What can you do first?

Social Media Myths
“...is for nerds and kids.”
“...is hard & too expensive.”
“...good advice isn’t free.”
“...will replace networking.”
“...is a fad.”
“...isolates us from society.”

Immediate impact ideas
Use a professional email address
Professional business photo
Stake out “Internet Real Estate”
Website
Blogs
Start building your profile
LinkedIn
Facebook
Join conversations
Actively participate and offer advice
Give before you get
Offer insights, views, comments, resources, links
Be smart, upbeat and courteous
Social media is just a new way of doing an old thing--building relationships with people who are in a position to help you.

You are the expert…
Begin with the end in mind
What do you want to achieve?
What separates you from everyone else looking for work today?
What makes you unique?
What special skill do you have?
Who and what can you leverage?
What is your mantra?
What do you stand for?
Can you describe it in three or four words

Professional email address
Register your name “right now”
Costs approximately $15 each year
Leverage Microsoft Office Live for free
Increased professional appearance
Contact manger
Free website
Free email
500 MB of storage
5 users for free
Stop using name@shaw.ca or name@telus.net and use your own domain today

Use a Professional Photo
Professionalism attracts
A picture says 1000 words
Always use your professional photo
The Commom Mistake
How many inappropriate photos are on Facebook?
Pictures can be sent and indexed online?

Stake out web “real estate”
Website or Blog – what is right for you?
Website – your online resume
Highlight your skills
Post your resume
Sell yourself
Blog – where you shine
Share your knowledge
Offer your opinions
Talk about your industry
You are the expert

Where do you start?
Websites
Microsoft Live
Blogs
Wordpress.com
Blogger.com
Calgarybloggers.ca

Blog often (daily or frequently, regularly)
Find an authentic voice
Link to articles of interest
‘Tag’ your blog posts with meaningful search terms
‘Claim’ your blog on indexing sites such as Technorati.com
Not all about you – read other blogs and create thoughtful comments on your blog, with links back to their blog
Blogging ‘rules’

Building your online profile
Where do you start?

What about LinkedIn?
Business to Business tool
Meet other business focused professionals
Network locally and industry
Join groups
Search for those you want to meet
Meet new people
Promote your expertise
Recommendations
Your work experience
Offer advice and feedback
Groups
Questions and Answers

What about Facebook?
Not designed for business
Keep your discussions casual
Many businesses and professionals using Facebook
Fan pages
Groups
Does offer some value
Cheap online advertising
Local reach
Demographics
Share your insight

Facebook Success Stories

Broadcast Yourself
Video and Audio
Video
Youtube.com
Post your online resume
Show your skills
Share your expertise
Audio
Blogtalkradio.com
Interview business leaders
Talk about your industry
Share your skills

David Pederson’s Resume
videospokes.com is where you can start

Why video?
Connects with employers long before you meet them
Stand out over all the rest
Tips and Tricks
Treat video like a meeting face to face
Keep in natural
Lose the “I” factor
Let the real you shine through
Keep it short
Creativity wins

What is Twitter?
A microblog of 140 characters per post including URLs and spaces
There are those you follow and those who follow you
You can make your account private
FREE and no barriers to follow someone or unfollow
Open API so hundreds of apps developed – most free*

Where does Twitter fit in?
Does it fit you?
Twitter is like a crowded auditorium
Recruiters are using Twitter to post openings
Another place allowing you to share
Retweet (RT)
Share URLs
Share news
Don’t ever sell, provide value and attract followers
Create an account at twitter.com

Social Media for Job Hunters
Create a Mantra
Listen and Join
Help people with their issues
Write a blog and tweets
Record video
Host online radio
Connect to peers
Ask people for help
Signature

Really…
Social Media is…
A poster on a telephone pole
Shouting with a megaphone
Leaflets handed out on the corner
Stuck under the windshield
Running into an old friend
Meeting new people
Being a teacher
Sharing and Mentoring
All done online….to get a face to face interaction

ConclusionIt just maybe too late!
Social Media is here to stay
The old ways need to be blended in
Be a coach and a mentor
You must start to use the tools now!
Create a blog, share your insights
Use LinkedIn daily, answer questions and provide value
Start leveraging Twitter to promote your interests and skills
Watch what is being said about you
Become a Social Media coach

Leverage video, radio and online tools

The biggest tips
Create an awesome first impression
Be memorable
Take action now

QuestionsFollow me on Twitter, LinkedIn…
www.facebook.com/stuart.crawford.calgary.computer.service
www.linkedin.com/in/stuartcrawford
www.twitter.com/scrawforditm
www.twitter.com/bulletproofIT
www.twitter.com/calgarybusiness