How to use social media to find a job

Facebook and Twitter are not just for posting selfies or keeping in touch with your friends and family. Social media can prove to be very useful when job hunting. 

So here are the best ways to use social media to help secure your dream job. 

Look out for job adverts on LinkedIn 

Linkedin is one of the best social networking sites for job hunting. Companies can post job vacancies on LinkedIn and best of all, you can apply simply by clicking ‘apply’. You can also sign up to receive job alerts from specific companies, a particular industry or city. 

Following companies on LinkedIn means you can keep up with their news, any posts and be notified of any job opportunities. 

Remember, to have a build up a strong profile as potential employers are sure to have a look at this especially if you have applied using LinkedIn.

Keep an eye on Facebook and Twitter pages for job adverts 

Some businesses may post job vacancies on their Facebook or Twitter pages. They will post details about the job, who they are looking for and how to apply. 

Search using hashtags such as #job #graduatejob #studentjobs #employment 

Follow dedicated careers social media pages 

Some companies may have Facebook and Twitter accounts specifically for careers. Not only will they post details about upcoming vacancies but also about their recruitment process, what it is like to work for them and any careers or networking events they may be hosting in the future. 

They may also post testimonials or Q&As with current employees so you can hear directly from them about their experience with the company.

Share your portfolio on your social media pages 

If you see yourself as a writer, artist, photographer, musician, dancer etc why not share your work on your social media pages. Depending on your level of experience and professionalism and the extent of your portfolio, you could also create a social media account solely for your work. 

Potential employers may stumble upon your page and will be able to look through examples of your work. If they are interested and like what they see they may offer you employment. 

Make it known that you are looking for a job 

There is no harm in making it known on your social media profiles that you are looking for a job. After all, people won’t know that you are job searching unless you tell them. 

Mention in your LinkedIn profile that you are seeking employment and in what industry. You could say something like “seeking opportunities in the XXXX industry” or “interesting in graduate opportunities in the XXXXX sector”. Further, you could also advertise on your Facebook or Twitter page that you are looking for a job and in what sector. It may be worthwhile including a couple of details about your qualifications and level of experience. Some of your social media friends may know of vacancies they can share with you. Hopefully, some people will also share your post so it reaches a wider audience.

However, if you are friends with or following your co-workers or your boss be careful not to give the impression that you no longer want to work with them. 

But remember social media can also have a negative impact on your future employment 

Although social media can certainly help you get a job, it can also wreck your chances of employment if you use it irresponsibly. 

If you haven’t already, take a look at our article explaining how social media can get you into trouble at work or even ruin your chances of gaining employment.