Social Networking

[Enda Goodwin]

Social networks are online platforms that allow individuals to curate, create and share content. These networks allow users to communicate with each other and build relationships. The power behind social networks as a career management tool is its dynamic and seamless ability to connect employees and employers—radically changing how workers find jobs and how employers find workers. Unclear about the value? Here are a few benefits social networks have to offer.

Be known

Referrals and networking remain the top methods for sourcing talent, and they share a commonality. Talent comes recommended or is known before an interview is scheduled. Social networks increase your ability to be known and findable.

With social networks, you now have an opportunity to exponentially increase visibility and interactions with peers, colleagues, and prospective employers—leveraging links and connections that make you known and findable in ways that were not possible before. Passive and active job seekers can use social media channels to establish new relationships, credential themselves, share information, and engage in meaningful interactions that help to establish rapport and trust. These efforts drive access to people, information, and opportunities that help advance careers.

Expand your mind

Social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and blogs, are filled with information that experts and thought leaders are offering to you freely. Tap into their unique knowledge, and you’ll find a wealth of information, experiences, and new ideas that will help you do your current job better, keep you informed, and open your eyes to new possibilities.

Embrace free agency

You may not be actively looking for a job, but recruiters and hiring managers are actively looking for the best candidates. Social networks are vast talent pools. Recruiters and hiring managers no longer need to wait for a résumé to present itself to them; they’re actively seeking out the best and brightest talent. Whether or not you’re looking for a new position, continue to engage on social networks so that you’re top of mind when a plum role opens up.

Determine the best social media sites that will work to your advantage

Facebook is a powerhouse in the job hunting area with its two apps — Branchout and Monster’s networking app BeKnown — which allow Facebook users to isolate their professional networking efforts and contacts within Facebook, while leveraging their Facebook network information. Below is a list of popular social media web sites you may want to explore. Click on the links below to discover more about each site and find out how to get started.

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Pinterest
• Snapchat

Be truly effective online

To be truly effective online, you need to organize your network contacts, learn to make the important first contacts, and engage your existing network. Then grow and expand your network using social media sites wisely, and protect your online brand.