Twitter your way to a new job
June 18, 2009
A third of employers now use social networking sites to connect with potential recruits meaning it’s not what you know but how you promote yourself on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn that counts.
Research by global recruitment consultants Harvey Nash and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that social networks are increasingly becoming a mainstream recruitment tool.
Half of employers believe that if candidates invest time in developing a strong online brand using social networks and networking online they are more likely to be hired.
Almost a quarter of employers routinely use sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn as part of their recruitment processes. A further 15 per cent said they would miss key new recruits if they didn’t tap into to social networks.
However, this trend is going unnoticed by young jobseekers. Although 92 per cent of online 18-24 year olds are registered on a social networking site, just one in 10 agreed they currently use these sites to get job leads or make useful career contacts.
Starting A Job Search: How To Use Social Media To Get A Job
Commenting on the potential of social networking in a tough jobs market, social networking expert, Dan Rutherford, said:
“Employers are increasingly looking for new recruits who have a strong online brand.
“A good place to start is with your Facebook profile. Use it as a personal ad detailing your skills and qualifications. You could even post your CV in hope that it catches the eye of a prospective employer.
"Now it's time to start working your profile. Nobody will see your CV unless you point them in the right direction. You can do this by searching interest groups and joining any that match your skills or experience. It can be a great way of making useful contacts and networking within relevant fields.
“Twitter is another great way of networking and keeping track of employers that are actively recruiting. Lots of employers post job openings on Twitter and by letting your followers know your employment situation they might be able to pass on job leads that you weren’t aware of.”
Rob Grimsey, Strategic Development Director of Harvey Nash, said: “As UK employers continue to face difficulties recruiting, it’s staggering that 44% of employers think social networking will only become important in the future.
"What they need to realise is professional networking has already begun and is here to stay; just ask the one-third of employers who are successfully doing it right now.
“While real-world networking and traditional job services remain invaluable, web savvy job seekers should act now to gain the competitive edge as online networking helps jobseekers stay well connected and get career-informed
“Peer-to-peer relationships, nurtured online and offline, are at the heart of the ‘new’ recruitment experience. It is essential for job seekers to wisen up to how employers are looking for candidates in order to remain competitive.”
Harvey Nash offers the following tips on how job searchers can use their online profile to attract employers:
- If you decide to use Facebook for professional networking, take a close look at your profile and decide what you want business contacts or prospective employers to see - and what you don't!
- Sign-up to Linked-In if you haven’t already
- Track potential employers and recruitment consultancies on Twitter
- Don’t leave a blank or incomplete profile. A full profile gives people the best opportunity to get to know you.
- Post content relevant to your job search but limit the photos you post.
- Network strategically - connect to people who can help with your job search.
- Think about joining interest groups which fit your field of interest.
- Finally, don’t limit activity to online social networks. It’s useful to speak to recruitment agencies with expertise in your local labour market.
You can also view Britain’s largest database of job vacancies at www.direct.gov.uk/backtowork to see who’s recruiting in your area.
You can find jobs in Berkshire at:
http://twitter.com/reading_jobs
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