How to use social media to search for jobs

By Dani Davies

Social Media and Marketing coordinator at Freshfield Services

Social media is rapidly becoming the quickest way to source talent for businesses. You may have used all of the job boards and websites you can think of, but looking for work on social media may be a completely new concept to you. With 92% of companies on social media, this may be your best option. 

But all social media platforms work very differently - so what should your strategy be for each one? 

1. Facebook
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Facebook doesn't have to be used just to keep in touch with old university friends or to nose at your ex girlfriend's new partner. It's also a place where 15 million businesses advertise their products and latest job vacancies. The only problem with this, is that they can't reach out to potential candidates. That's where you come in...

• Before you do anything, check what's on your profile. Facebook is primarily used for personal use and although companies will understand that, it's probably best not to have those photos of you from the work Christmas party last year downing a bottle of mulled wine to yourself on your timeline. It's not possible for business pages to become friends with you on Facebook, but they will take a peak at your profile if you've registered interest in them, so make sure what they can see is appropriate. Keep your About Me and most photos private, but be sure to keep your profile photo, education and previous work history visible. 
• Facebook's Instant Messenger is one of the best ways to communicate on Facebook, if not at all. If you've seen a job posted on their Facebook, instead of applying via their website, message them on Instant Messenger. They'll most likely point you back towards the website, but you may be able to strike up conversation with them and build a rapport before then, which will help in making you memorable. (Inside tip: you will get a reply from businesses if you message them on Facebook. Facebook doesn't react well to businesses not replying to messages, so it's in the business' best interest to reply within a few hours otherwise it'll reflect badly on them). A word of warning though - if you're querying about a role they will be more than happy to help, but if you're following up about a role this may look unprofessional. They'll think you're badgering them. Follow up the old fashioned way - via phone or email. 
• Like, like, like! If there are companies you want to get updates from on Facebook then Like their page and keep up to date with their news. This will come in handy when asked about them in interviews and the smaller companies will definitely appreciate this little ego boost.
• If you are publicly looking (aka, you don't currently have a job) then post a status to get in touch with your connections. Facebook has a great way of reaching far and wide. Before you know it a friend of a friend will know someone's uncle who used to work with connections in IT, and you'll be finding some really valuable contacts. 

2. Twitter

Personally, Twitter is my favourite social media platform. It's so easy and quick to communicate with businesses and, if used properly, can give you more news and information about companies quicker than anywhere else. Here's some tips on how to use it when looking for your dream role...

• Keep it up to date and professional. If a hiring manager takes a look at your Twitter and sees it's not been updated since 2012, it won't look great. Likewise, it won't also look impressive if you've been tweeting 50 times in one day to make it look like your Twitter is busy. Try to post 1-2 times a day. It doesn't have to be anything inspiring - try re-tweeting your favourite companies and starting discussions about the latest news topics. Remember: keep it professional and don't post anything offensive, aggressive or crude. That never works out well. If you want to keep things easier, create a second professional Twitter account so you don't cross wires between personal and work related Tweets.
• While LinkedIn is great to show off experience, Twitter is the best place for you to show your personality. Comment on your favourite TV shows, talk about your day and re-tweet a photo. Obviously, the same rules apply about keeping it professional. 
• Everyone can see who you follow, so this is a great opportunity for you to show off a little. Follow the major companies in your field and if they start following you back, start tweeting some thoughts about the industry to get their attention. (Lots of larger companies will have a separate Twitter account for hiring, so make sure you're not following the wrong account) Find job experts on here too - they'll tweet some much needed inspiration from time to time.  Again, a word of caution; everyone can see who you're following so keep it professional and appropriate. 
• Create lists of your influences and competitors.You can compile lists of people on Twitter you want to keep up to date with without having to sieve through the noise of your Twitter feed. Each list can be different and you can keep it private or public. This is a great way to network with others in your industry and keep updated with your competitors (those lists you may want to keep private). 
• Use Hashtags. Lots of people roll their eyes at hashtags, but this is because they don't really know what they are. A hashtag is a way for people to search for a topic of conversation on Twitter and quite frankly, it's pretty genius. For example, if you're looking for a job in sales, putting '#sales #jobs' in the search bar will bring you up hundreds of conversations regarding sales jobs. Likewise, you can tweet using these hashtags and people recruiting for roles will find your tweets.

3. LinkedIn
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LinkedIn is the obvious first choice when it comes to job searching.  How do you get the most of this platform?

• ​Your LinkedIn profile is basically a CV. Keep it up to date and make it the strongest it can be. The great thing with LinkedIn is it helps you make your profile the best it can be by reminding you to fill in gaps and ask you questions about your experience that potential employers may want to know. 
• LinkedIn is used solely for job seeking and recruiting, so you don't have to bring your personality into your profile. If you want them to see what you're like as a person, put a link to your Facebook your Twitter handle on your LinkedIn for them to see. 
• Only connect with people you know (mostly). It can look strange if you connect with someone you share no connections in common with or is a complete stranger. Only connect with people you used to work with, currently work with or went to school/uni with, met at a networking event or having been emailing previously. The only occasion you should be connecting with someone you don't know is when they're in the industry you're interested in or you want to chat with them about a potential opportunity they're advertising. 
• Join  a group!  A bit like a list on Twitter, you can join groups with people who are in the same field as you. This can keep you updated on the latest industry trends and give you inside information before others know. 
• Keep job searching on the down low (if you're still employed). LinkedIn keeps all job applications private, although when you update your profile, your connections will know. If you update everything at once, this will look suspicious to your current employer. When you do edit your profile, switch the 'Notify your network?' option to 'off'.

General Advice​

• Other profiles on platforms such as Instagram, Flickr or Pinterest shouldn't be forgotten. They may not be the first sites that come to mind, but there's plenty of ways to make them look professional. Plus, using these will make it look like you think outside the box.
• You could create your own blog if you had the time. Write what you're passionate about and showcase it on your other profiles. It doesn't have to have a huge following, but it'd be a fantastic way you to show businesses you're both passionate and knowledgeable about their industry, 
• Keep everything appropriate and professional. I know I've said it 3 times, but it cannot be said enough!
• Use your real name. This may sound weird but some people use nicknames on social media and this makes it tricky for employers to find you. Make it easy for them to notice you by giving your real and full name on social media. 
• Try and keep up a consistent branding across all platforms by using the same profile picture, bio and consistent following. Not sure how to do this? Try reading this article for tips.