Why did I do it?

That is set-up a Facebook, twitter and blog accounts, and create a website as well as “really” update my Linkedin profile? Well for me it was because of a few things;

1. To prepare me for the job hunt
2. Get more in-depth working knowledge of Social Media and how it can work
3. To express myself and show my knowledge
4. Create a much larger web footprint and
5.Present a professional image along with a little personal image to perspective employers.

Funny thing is, I did all this about 4 months ago and at the beginning those in the know were telling me most people (job hunting) do not have a personal website with their work experience (resume detail stuff), or a Linkedin account. Seems odd considering today’s job market, but what they do have is a Facebook account displaying their exploits from their off hours. Most job hunters don’t seem to realize or care about their professional image at all. One problem! Employers care! This is why they type your name in the Google search field to see who you are. Is it no wonder you are not getting employers calling you?

Well never fear because today you will get a list of 10 ways to utilize Social Media to land that next job. For more details on how to accomplish each to the “10 Way” go to http://newgradlife.blogspot.com/2010/04/get-job-business-jobs-graduate-jobs.html
This is great little article to help you do the right thing.
So let us list out the 10 ways so you can get on your way:

1. Set-up multiple accounts – this means keeping your private life separate from you professional image.

2. Use the Privacy settings in Facebook etc. - to hide your dirty laundry from the world

3. Be very very very careful what you say – never ever put yourself in a situation you cannot really talk yourself out of. Think “American Political Correctness” and you should be just fine

4. Promoting you and your knowledge – If your current boss is too stupid to listen to you, then release your expertise onto the world of the internet

5. Spamming is a no no no no thing to do – do you like to get bombarded with stuff you really care nothing about? Think of all the stuff that comes through your e-Mail and do the opposite

6. Follow the right folks – Paris Hilton may have a seemingly fun life, but what intelligently has she ever said?

7. Join your industry, professional interest focused groups – this is a great place to have your ear to the ground on current trends and also see job postings

8. Perform a job search on your specific industry or discipline on specific associated sites – sorry you will probably not find a job for bull fighting on a PETA specific site

9. Make a video resume – Oh boy this may be scary and this is one I just have not done yet, as this is a new trend and not top of my list to get done just yet

10. Measure how you are doing – Yep, we just cannot get away from metrics, but this is very good to do as it will help you focus on the tactics which work best for you. Time is a limited resource.

All of the above is a great starting point for the 21st century job hunter and for those also employed. Why for those still employed? Well, many people do not get the opportunity or know how too really self promote. Creating an on-line Professional Social Media Presence (PSMP) is a great way to do this and linking with your management staff will help keep them informed about you. Also, people are curious and it is very probable your bosses etc. will Google you at some point during the year.

Good luck in creating a PWF (Personal Web Footprint) and landing your next opportunity.