Social Media - How to Use to Start a Career

Social media, like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, can help you connect with people who can help you start and then grow your career. However, this can work both ways. Social media when used the wrong way can backfire and can even lead to the withdrawal of a job offer. It’s important to be careful and consider what you shouldn’t do, as well as what you should do, when using social media to search for a job. 

Create an Online Presence Now

When you're looking for a job, it's important to have an online presence where you can showcase yourself. Your online profile will help you connect with contacts that can help in your job search. If your profile is good it is bound to attract a recruiter, either today or tomorrow. So, get onto LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, NOW.

Consistency

Ensure that your LinkedIn profile matches what you have on your Facebook page (if it's public). 

Be Careful What you Tweet

Be really careful what you tweet. You don't know who might read it. Search Twitter for "I hate my job" and see the examples. Employers and HR managers are using Twitter, too, and if you tweet, someone will read. Tweets show up in Google search and you could end up losing your job because you didn't think before you tweeted.

Recheck your Facebook Privacy Settings

The last thing you want is for the wrong people seeing your most inappropriate pictures, posted by friends, at the wrong time.

Start Networking Now

Build your network well in advance of when you will actually need it. Make connections and join various groups in your areas of interest. Follow career experts. Talk to your contacts on Twitter or the other networking sites. Join groups on LinkedIn, Google, Yahoo and Facebook, and participate in discussions or make fresh posts. 

You Need to Give, to Get Returns

Networking works both ways – the more you are willing to help someone else, the more likely they will be to help you. Take some time every day to reach out to your connections. Giving to get really does work - your connections are more likely to return the favor when you've offered to help them.

Don’t Connect with Anyone and Everyone

Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to connecting. The first question you should ask yourself when making connections is how the person can help you. The second question is what you can do to help them. Before you ask someone to connect, consider what you have in common.

So, don’t waste time. Start with Linkedin and Twitter, and then move on to the rest.