This document provides guidance on using social media, particularly LinkedIn, for job searching. It discusses how social media has changed the job search landscape, with networking and connections now more important than just resumes. LinkedIn is presented as the top professional social media tool, allowing users to build a network of millions of professionals and companies. The document provides tips on using LinkedIn effectively for job searching, such as getting recommendations, joining groups, searching for jobs, and answering questions to become more visible to potential employers.

1. Guiding the Social Media JourneyPioneering Social MediaBloomington Workforce CenterDigital Wagon Train, LLCMarch 2, 2010© 2010 Digital Wagon Train™ - All rights reserved and protected.

2. What is Social Media Networking?

6. a Conversation

9. We’re Not In the 20th Century Anymore, TotoThe Rules of Job Search Have ChangedSocial media has given both the employee and the employer greater power and flexibility in finding new jobs and new employees.Traditional methods of finding a job have given way to emerging social networking tools available at your computer.Emailing resumes and waiting for a response is really old news, that simply doesn’t work.Recessionary times require bolder and more creative networking and job search skills.

10. The Times They Are a ChangingThen

11. The Times They Are a ChangingNowFacebookTwitterLinkedIn

12. OverviewFinding a job in the current economic crisis is a challenge that requires exceptional focus and tools to succeed. Setting oneself apart becomes more difficult.LinkedIn provides the dislocated worker a very broad network of over 50 million individuals and over 180,000 US companies, including all of the Fortune 500.LinkedIn has become the #1 tool for job search for both prospective employees and those hiring them, creating a highly effective 2-way channel of communication.LinkedIn is a multi-use tool, providing an array of benefits to the user who succeeds in searching for & using them.

13. Once upon a time, it used to beWhat You Know

14. Then, it wasWho You Know

15. Now, it’sWho Knows You

16. Who Knows You vs.What or Who You Know“People with more than 20 connections are 34 times more likely to be approached with a job opportunity than people with less than five.”Guy KawasakiBuilding a viable and current network of related connections will significantly enhance the possibility of finding a better job faster.

17. Use Social Media EffectivelyEstablish your goals/strategies/targets.Write a social media networking plan; stick to it.Join, observe and listen to acquire new skills/knowledge.Do the research. Reinforce key messages with all comments posted on social networking sites.Create sustainable relationships with contacts & advisors. Join Groups (LinkedIn & others)

18. Which Social Media Tool Should You Use?It’s not which tool you use…it’s all about how you use it.

19. ®Relationships MatterNetworking and Job Search

20. Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn to Find a JobGet the word out via network.Get recommendations.Find people with similarjob backgrounds.Find out where people at a company came from.Find out where people at acompany go.Check company pages for “new hires”. Review backgrounds and any connection to you. LIUse your connections to get to the correct hiring manager.Find someone in a company to “walk” your LinkedIn profile to HR.Find out secret job requirements through a connection.Search for new companies.Source: Guy Kawasaki, How to Change the World

21. Referrals developed through successful networking.Source: CareerXRoads Survey, February, 2009; 45 Large Corporations (5,000+ employees)

22. Features provides a comprehensive suite of features, all targeted to improve professional networking and job search:Comprehensive search

23. Groups

24. Questions & Answers

25. Free applications

26. Keywords/Tags

27. Profile/Resume builder

28. Extended connection network

29. Recommendations

30. Finding/posting a JobNetworking50 million LinkedIn users from over 180,000 companies participating in 240,000 industry groups