Social Networking

and the Job Search

© April 2010

David Swinney, Social Media Specialist

Who is David Swinney?

30-year veteran of Texas Instruments

15 years in Information Technology

◦ Web design and content management

◦ Software provisioning and project management

◦ Vendor relationship management

◦ Social media

Skills and Interests

◦ Social networking / social media

◦ Web technologies

◦ Windows 7, Office 2007, and Office 2010

What is Social Networking?

―Social networking is the practice of

expanding the number of one's business

and/or social contacts by making

connections through individuals.‖

Source: Whatis.com

Social Networking Architecture

Profile – tell the world about yourself

Friends / Connections – trusted members of network

Groups – members with common interests

Discussions – interaction between group members

Blogs – keep members informed as to activities

Widgets – customize your network to reflect your personality

Why Social Networking must be

part of your job search strategy

Who is using Social Networking to

Find Jobs?

http://www.pewinternet.org/Infographics/Generational-differences-in-online-activities.aspx

Social Networks Provide Visibility

Unlimited access to professionals within your targeted audience

Niche ―groups‖ make finding your audience that much easier◦ LinkedIn

◦ Meetup

◦ Ning

◦ YouTube

Social Networks Provide

Transparency

One of two key elements

to success in social

networking

Being open about your goals

allows you to connect with

others on common ground

First step in the process of

―Know, Like, Trust.‖

Social Networks Help You

―Give to Get‖

Second key to success

in social networking

Help others to get them

to help you and discover

who can help you

Start by simply asking

―How can I help you?‖

Ask for a third-party

endorsement or

recommendation

Social Networks Allow Nobodies to

Become Somebodies

You don’t know who can help you.

You don’t know who knows someone else

who may help you.

An avid networker you have never met or

heard of is a better resource than a ―celebrity.‖

Social Networks Are Being Used by

Corporations and Professionals

Corporations are connecting with prospects, customers, vendors, and other stakeholders

Business professionals are doing the same

It makes sense to take your job search there as well

Social Networks Are Revolutionizing

World of Recruiting

Better recruits

Better ROI

Cheaper

Faster

Social Networks Are Being Used by

Recruiters and Hiring Managers 72% of recruiters

plan to spend more time recruiting via social media this year

Half expect to spend less time on job boards

66% Have successfully hired a candidate through an online social network

Only 24% of candidates disclose social networking presence

Source: Jobvite.com survey of 440 HR professionals

Recruiters are Saying …

―Those who embrace and exploit these newer technologies will gain a significant advantage over their colleagues who are restricting themselves to established job search methods‖ Joel Cheesman, recruitment issues blogger @ cheezehead.com

Gaining a significant web presence is crucial in a job search ◦ ―Some recruiters who won’t call you unless you have a presence

and significant Google visibility.‖ Martin Buckland, recruiter

―Make sure you have your work history, a little bit about yourself, and ways you can be reached (create a new Gmail or hotmail or whatever if you want to keep your personal one private)‖ Marin K. Burns, Recruiting Manager, Gardner Resources

Executives Too?

Number of online job postings has declined.

Large numbers of recruiters maintain a presence

on Linkedin.

Recruiters search online for candidates instead of

advertising on job boards.

Executive recruiters search the Internet for

information on executive candidates.

Executives seeking employment CANNOT

AFFORD to not participate in social

networks.

How do you find a job via Social

Networking?Start by adopting a ―FIA‖ approach:

◦ Find. Identify people and/or companies for whom

you would like to work.

◦ Interact. Connect with those people via social

networks and through private contact. Demonstrate

your knowledge and be helpful to them.

◦ Ask. Ask (directly or indirectly) if those people can

help you get a job, or if they can put you in contact

with someone who can.

Social Networking tools for the

job search

Google Reader

Keep up to date with industry

trends and news.

Subscribe to job listings by

keyword and position.

Clean up your e-mail inbox.

Google Reader

How to Use Google Reader

Monitoring Your Brand With

Google Reader◦ http://www.slideshare.net/davidswinney/monitoring

-your-personal-brand-using-google-reader

Google Alerts

Subscribe to job search topics

or targeted companies by

keyword.

Choose between delivery via e-

mail or review in Google

Reader.

Google Alerts

The Big 3 Social Networks

Big 3 Usage Comparison

LinkedIn is an online network of more than 24 million experienced

professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries.

http://www.linkedin.com/

Compete.com Monthly Normalized Metrics (February 2010)

LinkedIn

Your profile is more than your online resume

Build a meaningful, professional network

Establish yourself as an authority

Find new opportunities

Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service. In

countries all around the world, people follow the sources most relevant

to them and access information via Twitter as it happens—from breaking

world news to updates from friends.

http://www.twitter.com/

Compete.com Monthly Normalized Metrics (February 2010)

Twitter

Create a targeted, professional profile

Build a meaningful network

Establish yourself as an authority by adding

value

Find new opportunities

How companies are using Twitter to

find candidates

Many big companies now list job openings on

Twitter.

Cheaper and less-crowded alternative to job

boards.

Allows them to

◦ target social media-savvy job hunters, and

◦ convey an innovative image.

How candidates are using Twitter to

find jobs

Follow feeds that aggregate jobs from multiple

companies.

Use Twitter search to research prospective

employers.

Connect with individuals who work at targeted

companies.

Chance to interact directly with companies'

recruiters.

Can be more convenient than job boards.

http://blog.linkedin.com/2009/11/09/allen-blue-twitter-and-linkedin-go-together-like-peanut-butter-and-

chocolate/

Partnership announced in November 2009

When you set your status on LinkedIn you can now tweet it as well

◦ amplifies it to your followers

◦ amplifies it to real-time search services like Twitter Search, Google, and Bing

When you tweet, you can send that message to your LinkedIn connections as well from any Twitter service or tool

◦ Add #in or #li hashtag to tweets to update LinkedIn status

How to Use Twitter

Twitter and the Job Search◦ http://www.slideshare.net/davidswinney/twitter-

and-the-job-search

Compete.com Monthly Normalized Metrics (February 2010)

Facebook is a social utility that helps people communicate more

efficiently with their friends, family and coworkers.

http://www.facebook.com/

Facebook

Make a decision whether to keep Facebook social or expand your use.

If you decide to use Facebook for professional networking,

◦ take a close look at your Profile and

◦ decide what you want business contacts or prospective employers to see - and what you don't.

Create a simple profile (or clean up with your existing one) with minimal graphics and widgets.

Facebook

Limit the photos you post.

Post content relevant to your job search or

career.

Use Facebook email to build relationships with

your Friends.

Choose your Friends wisely.

How it can work for people who know

how to use Social Networking Sites

235 followers

124 friends

218 connections

Noticed an old friend got a new job. Commented on his status. Led to lunch. He suggests a job opportunity not available on job boards.

A connection of a connection notices my profile (online bio), sent me a message & wants to collaborate on business, coffee meeting is next week.

Headhunter found my profile, called me for a job not posted on a board

I answered a question, person who asked it liked my answer and wants to stay connected based on subject matter expertise

Friends with my university pals. One of them needs freelance help on a large quote to the government. Asked for my resume.

Staying connected with ex-IBMers. One of which passed a contract to me, and another passed this speaking opportunity.

Nothing yet – but reconnected with people I worked with but didn’t have a huge relationship with.

Meeting people all over the world. Global connections.

And more…

There is no magic bullet

It is important to note that these are tools not

solutions.

Not a replacement for traditional techniques,

but they do extend and amplify them.

Make the process more efficient and easier to

manage.

Mistakes to avoid in the social

networking job search

Ramifications of Social Networking in

the job search

Good news◦ Potential employers can review your digital

footprint and use it to determine whether you are a viable candidate for the job

Bad news◦ Potential employers can review your digital

footprint and use it to determine whether you are a viable candidate for the job

Reasons why companies hire potential

candidates

Profile provided a good feel for the candidate’s personality

and fit

Profile supported candidate’s professional qualifications

Candidate was creative

Candidate showed solid communication skills

Candidate was well-rounded

Other people posted good references about the candidate

Candidate received awards and accolades

Source: CareerBuilder.com survey of 2600 employers; 45% of which research candidates on social

networking sites

Reasons why companies do not hire

potential candidates

Candidate posted provocative or inappropriate

photographs or information

Candidate posted content about them drinking or using

drugs

Candidate bad-mouthed their previous employer, co-

workers or clients

Candidate showed poor communication skills

Candidate made discriminatory comments

Candidate lied about qualifications

Candidate shared confidential information from previous

employer

Source: CareerBuilder.com survey of 2600 employers; 45% of which research candidates on social

networking sites

Do’s and Don’ts In Social Networking

Job Search

Do Google yourself.

Do be professional.

Do be authentic.

Do create profiles that include keywords which make it easy to be found.

Do connect your various social presences with each other (e.g., links, widgets, etc.)

Do introduce your friends and connections to each other.

Do’s and Don'ts In Social Networking

Job Search

Don’t use industry jargon and acronyms with those not in the industry.

Don’t forget that networking socially is as important as social networking.

Resources for Executives

Best of C-Level Executive Job Search Strategies

◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/top-10-best-of-c-level-executive-job-search-strategies/

Best of Personal Branding Strategies, Lessons, and News

◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/10-best-of-personal-branding-strategies-lessons-and-news/

Best of Online Brand Identity and Social Media

◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/15-best-of-online-brand-identity-and-social-media/

Best of Executive Job Interviewing

◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/best-of-executive-job-interviewing/

Best of Executive Resume Branding Tactics and Advice

◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/12-best-of-executive-resume-branding-tactics-and-advice/

Resources for Executives

Best of LinkedIn Tips and Resources

◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/my-best-of-linkedin-tips-and-resources/

Best of Twitter for C-level Personal Branding and Executive Job Search

◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/best-of-twitter-for-personal-branding-and-executive-job-search/

Best of Blogging for Brand Visibility and Credibility

◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/best-of-blogging-tips-and-strategies/

Best FREE E-Books on Personal Branding, Job Search, Social Media, Career Marketing

◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/best-free-e-books-on-personal-branding-job-search-social-media-career-marketing/

Resources for Executives

Is Executive Career Reinvention in Your Future?◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/is-executive-career-

reinvention-in-your-future/

16 Mistakes That Will Sabotage Your Executive Job Search◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/16-mistakes-that-will-

sabotage-your-executive-job-search/

Does Your Social Media Footprint Scream "Hire Me"?◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/does-your-social-media-

footprint-scream-hire-me/

Stalled Executive Job Search? Get Busy on Twitter and LinkedIn◦ http://executivecareerbrand.com/stalled-executive-job-search-

get-busy-on-linkedin-and-twitter/

Thank You

David SwinneySocial Media Specialistdavid.swinney@gmail.comhttp://davidswinney.comhttp://twitter.com/davidswinneyhttp://linkedin.com/in/davidswinney

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