Web 2.0 landscape for job seekers
It’s time to connect the dots between social media, and your bottom line. This used to be an issue for people who are trying to start a business but what about people who are looking for jobs? If this message is talking to you what will your strategy look like?.
In the 21st Century you are the CEO of Me Inc.. The question is how social media can make a dent in the job ecosystem.
Let me guess, you opened a facebook account a while back, your picture is not really yours, but Homer’s. You don’t get what’s all that buzz about Twitter, you’re thinking that’s for people who don’t have anything better to do. You are reluctant to create a LinkedIn account because that’s for big shots, established professionals, CEO, CFO at least. Wrong! you are the CEO of ME Inc. (you), so act as if you were!
Not only are major corporations utilizing these tools for their own marketing practices, they are using them to find new talent and perform due diligence on potential applicants.
Some real facts that talk loud and clear: Careerbuilder.com survey of 31,000 employers. The results are compelling:
1. 24% of hiring managers “found content on social networks that helped convince them to hire a candidate.” In addition hiring managers said that “profiles showing a professional image and solid references can boost a candidates chances for a job.”
2. 22% of the 31,000 employers said they “peruse social networks to screen candidates.”
3. 9% more of the 31,000 employers said they are planning to do so.
4. A total of 9,600 employers are going to search for candidates and perform due diligence rather than rely on resumes to tell a job seekers story.
Open up your profile to the world and share your expertise on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, become a resource in your niche and give value over time. If you do both, then you won’t have to worry about applying for a job; it will come to you.
The greatest part about the web right now is that everybody is on the same plane using the
same websites, with the same features and benefits. You can have a Twitter account just like a CEO or Ashton Kutcher. Hiring managers are accessible to you and you have the opportunity to interact with them and learn about them and their companies, and possibly get a job by
creating a profile on LinkedIn. In this way, you’re conducting a people search and meeting professionals that can actually get you the jobs instead of waiting for your resume to come out of the black-hole, known as job boards.
Keep in mind that business relationships aren’t one-night-stands. Nurturing relationships takes time!
Ultimately is that job seekers must deliver their value first before attempting to deliver their resume. Social media and Web 2.0 are changing job search. The resume is no longer a job seeker’s marketing tool. It is up to job seekers, in this very rough job market, to utilize these tools in order to stand apart and become memorable.
Jacky Lopez, founder/president
Queen Global Communication, LLC.
www.jackylopez.com
