Social Media and the job search

Are you using social media in your job search? If not, why not?

Over 100 million users are on LinkedIn, 700 million users are on Facebook and 175 million users on Twitter. Now assuming that each of those networks only has 80% of those users who are active, that is still a BIG number. Of people using social networking sites, the use breaks down this way: 92% use Facebook, 18% use LinkedIn, 13% use Twitter. [Source: Pew Internet and American Life Project, Social networking sites and our lives, June 16, 2011]

LinkedIn is the biggest source of professional networking. You can follow companies, find jobs, and build your level of expertise. Facebook now has an answer to LinkedIn called Branchout. You can ask your Facebook friends to join you in your professional network and receive recommendations. Twitter has post after post of jobs that you can find even if you don't tweet yourself. Just go to search.twitter.com.

LinkedIn has a search component that will show you who is posting about a particular term like "hiring" that you can drill down and get to your local area. Did you know that more men 63% vs. 37% women use LinkedIn.[Source: Pew Internet and American Life Project, Social networking sites and our lives, June 16, 2011] Women tend to be bigger users of the other social networks.

Remember, you can't just create a profile and let it hang there on the web, you must work at it, as you must with any job search process.  If you need to learn more about using social media, you can visit our website. OR you can sign up for one of our hands-on LinkedIn workshops - check our calendar for the next session.

What are you doing with social media and your job search?

Career Goals 2011

What are your career goals for 2011?

Are you in the job search mode?

• What new tools are you planning on using or learning to help in your job search? 
• Do you already have a LinkedIn account? 
• Are you going to check to see if it is being the most effective it can be for you?
• Do you use Twitter to look for jobs?
• Have you investigated the job search component of Facebook?
• Are you networking?
• Have you joined any new industry related associations?
• Are you participating in informational interviews?
• Have you decided to volunteer to keep your skills up to date?
• Are you planning on changing careers?
• Does that career change include learning new skills?

Are you working? What are your plans to enhance your current career?

• Are you taking a class or learning something to keep your skills current?
• Do you need to address a character flaw that is keeping you from a promotion?
• What one thing can YOU change that would make your job easier?
• What one thing can you address with your supervisor that would make your job easier?
• Is this job a career or do you need to check into another path?

Are you going to school?

• Will you be finishing your training this year and looking for a new job?
• What are you doing now to network or prepare in advance for that job search? Check out the items above.

Do you have some personal goals that will make your life easier or improve your self-esteem level to give you a better outlook on life?

• Do you need to be more fit or drop a few pounds?
• Do you need to de-clutter?
• Do you need to stop smoking?

Whatever or whereever you are in your life, you cannot reach a goal if you do not have one.  Set a goal, make a plan, and start working toward your goal.  If a long range goal is too scary, set several interim goals and reward yourself along the way. If you need to loose weight and your ultimate goal is 25 pounds, set those in 5 pound increments.  If you need a new job and make a plan that might include researching two new companies and what jobs they have to offer each week.  Add a new task as you go.

What other suggestions do you have?  What are your goals?

50 Top Careers for 2011

The following is a summary and this writers thoughts on a tweetchat on 12-7-2010. The discussion was with Alexis Grant tweeting as @USNewsCareers.  Here are the results:

How do you determine what careers/industries make the list?
Our list is based on job-growth projections from the Labor Department. We look for jobs with above-average incomes, and high job satisfaction, etc. Those job-growth projections are a great measure of stability, they tell us how much growth is expected between 2008-2018. We also talked with people who work in these jobs to gather anecdotal evidence about employment prospects and job satisfaction.  The report excludes careers that don’t have large numbers of positions, because they provide opportunity only for small number of people.  The list looks to diversify in terms of category and education requirements to offer a wide variety of solid jobs. USNewsCareers uses the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine the initial numbers but all of the factors are taken into consideration.  They also analyze past lists and many of the careers transfer onto the list from year to year.  One participant said, "...if (the list) changed too much from year to year, they would be great jobs, not careers."

If you are searching for a career that isn't on USNews list, you can go to www.bls.gov/oco or to http://www.onet.onlinecenter.org/ .  O*NET is a useful site as it gives a total picture of the career path as well as similar titles.

Seven careers that were removed from the list this year were: loan officer, funeral director, cost estimator, plumber, landscape architect, security system installer, market research analyst.  Some of these were affected by the economy.
The new seven included:
Athletic trainer – http://bit.ly/h0jFnL. Largely b/c of high demand in high schools.
Interpreter/Translator – http://bit.ly/gYiohJ. I find this one fascinating – high demand because of global economy.
Sales manager – http://bit.ly/gF2o9f. This job is recovering along with the economy. Highest median salary of $97K
Education admin – http://bit.ly/fBTQfk. For example, a high school principal. Ranks high 4 job satisfaction. 
Heating, Air conditioning and refrigeration technicians did well partly because of demand for green energy compliance. 
For the full list:http://usnews.com/careers Check this link: http://ht.ly/3l9Xg

Many participating in the discussion were amazed that Funeral Directors were being booted from the list because you cannot predict when people will die and with the aging of the Boomers, there should be a large prospect for that career field.  Perhaps tho, the Boomers are living longer and "flying in the face of death".

The question was raised about whether entrepreneurs should be on the list?  Thoughts on this were that isn't everyone who starts a business an entrepreneur?  Isn't everyone who is an entrepreneur performing multiple careers at one time - CFO, COO, CEO, marketing, sales, and on and on. But while entrepreneurs are a growing path for many people, in fact, they are often sole proprietors.  Employment data is much more difficult to calculate on sole proprietors.

What top skills are hiring managers looking for?

Skill sets! As part of each career profile, we’ve included tips and advice for people who work in the industry on landing a job. Look for this advice at the bottom of each profile.  Hiring managers are looking for achievement oriented people who can do for their company what they have done for others. They want to see multi-talented individuals - but who still fit the "mold".  Know what your skills are and how you can apply them. Not only do you need the right skills, but  be able to fit within the new corporate culture and team. Along with job-specific skills, many hiring managers said “people skills” are also super important – being able to communicate. You can also see USNewsCareers slide show with advice for landing jobs on our list:http://bit.ly/gmfCSP.  

For some jobs, having business savvy was also cited as helpful. Besides job skills, soft skills are important - things like communication, team work, conflict resolution and about 10 others.  Soft skills are so vital in the business world. if you don't have them, you wont get far. Many employers prefer someone who displays these skills - they can't teach someone (workplace skills) but, they can teach job skills. Even the president of Southwest Airlines says "that you can teach skills, but you can't teach behaviors". You can hire for attitude and train for skill. Because no one career is right for everybody, USNewsCareers include 50 jobs on their list, with variety. Hiring managers are interested in people who can solve their companies problems.  Being able to explain how you helped your previous company achieve their goals will be a good selling feature for you.

This article was given as a resource - Inside the Hiring Manager's Head at the Job Interviewhttp://ow.ly/3lp75
Strong speaking skills + strong work ethic most sought in#jobseekers by employers per NACE studyhttp://on.wsj.com/grThmX 

One participant asked "Does anyone have a good list of hard skills for each industry/sector or know where I could find one?"  My answer to that would be use O*NET.  Here are the skills needed for an athletic trainer for example.

What jobs are in the most demand?

A good way to measure demand is with job-growth projections.  It tells how many positions are likely to be created between 2008-2018. To put this all in perspective, the average expected growth for all jobs based on data from BLS from 2008-2018 is about 10 %.

• Using job-growth stats from Labor Department: 
• Biomedical engineer is at the top for percentage of growth at 72%.
• Neetwork architects – 52 %
• Health care jobs - Dental hygienist = 36%, physician assistant = 39%
• Athletic trainer – a job that’s new on the list this year – 37%
• HVAC (also new on our list) - 28%.
• Leisure & Hospitality -12% 
• Professional & Business Services - 11% 
• Information - 10%

Illinois has a website - www.illinoisworknet.com that features a Key Sector area explaining the high-growth, high demand sectors for Illinois that include Agriculture, Healthcare, Information Technology, Manufacturing, and Transportation/Distribution/Logistics. 


Several participants sited career paths in IT - especially web developers, health care, and manufacturing. One poster said their hiring expectations for 2011Q1 is the most optimistic in two years. 


The best place to find the skill shortages in the marketplace is to track the volume of ads on job boards by sector/discipline. A good article re: skills not matching job openings:http://nyti.ms/h6HKsZ There are plenty of other articles out there. 

So many unemployed individuals have skills that are no longer in demand. Our economy has changed so fast and new skills are needed.  Workforce Investment Act (WIA)funds will help unemployed individuals learn new skills and can be targeted toward high-growth, high-demand careers.  If you are a lifelong learner, you will continue to build skills/attitude being able to keep up with the rate of change in workplace. People will have to adapt. Just as one example wind turbine repair technicians will have only  50% of the personpower needed by 2015 to maintain the wind turbines that are on-line right now. That doesn't take into consideration the effort to increase wind power into the future. 

Which careers on the list give a great salary for little education? 

Another article from USNewsCareers was: 10 jobs that offer a big bang for your buck: http://bit.ly/eGuh60

• Sales manager jumped out at Alexis, since you need a bachelor’s degree for a median annual salary of $97K.http://bit.ly/gF2o9f
• On the health care side, dental hygienists make about $67K with associate’s degree and license. 
• Physician assistants need 2-year associate’s degree plus certification, to bring home paycheck of $84K.
• Gaming managers - who work at casinos, make about $67K after vocational or dealer school, plus certificate.http://bit.ly/e5NZG5
• Meteorologists also do well, bringing in median of $85K with a bachelor’s degree. http://bit.ly/gKMRPH

Certifications and licenses are becoming more important, it shows you can actually do the work vs. take a test.
Service industry jobs are here to stay. It is one of the longest professions around.
One poster shared that you can research markets by asking what skills employers rate most important soft skills or hard skills. Alternately you could use a LinkedIn or a Twit poll.

One problem about which we have been hearing here at KCDEE is that employers want people with experience, but those who are retraining into new career fields may not have experience in their chosen new career field.  My question would be - How can you meld your transferable skills with your newly learned skills to impress upon a potential employer that you would be a great hire?

Which of the jobs on the list most interests you as a career path? 

Whichever career path you seek - technician, exec, etc., it is good to be proactive, knowledgeable, forward-thinking about your chosen industry. 
 
Some closing thoughts and resources that were offered include: 

• You miss 100% of the shots you never take- T. Paulson
• Read "The Hidden Job Report" to find jobs before they are advertised. http://t.co/s4E2IDm 
• 10 smart ways to use #socialmedia in your #jobsearch:http://bit.ly/e8ZMyK   
• This is a copy of the transcript for  #Careerchathttp://bit.ly/hgMvSo 

If you would like to participate in upcoming Tweetchats, you will need a twitter account. Then go to www.tweetchat.com.  Log-in using your twitter account enter the hashtag #Careerchat and type away.  Let me warn you that the conversation is fast and furious and you can miss things as you type your thoughts, but they are full of useful information.

Networking for Introverts

This is the discussion from the today's tweetchat about Networking for Introverts.  The answers are copied from the twitter feed.  In some cases they are in twitter shorthand.

Q1: Whats the most difficult thing about networking?

• For me it was always how to break into a group already chatting.
• Finding relevant contacts. Even though every contact can have a silver lining.
• when at a networking event joining in a convo. I sometimes feel like I am butting in
• I would say just gaining enough confidence to actually start. It can be sort of intimidating at times.
• Finding a group that seems open and inviting, not closed is the key.
• Starting a conversation with a total stranger.
• The most difficult thing in regards to networking is having to step outside of your comfort zone. You'll be glad you did.
• Making new contacts without going to mix and mingle events.
• The initial starting of the conversation is the toughest for me
• Telling your elevator speech over and over again
• identifying the quality, decision making contacts or those who can connect you with them
• Getting in and getting out are the hardest part.
• walking up to the first person. After that the ice is broken. I look for someone standing off by themself.
• Networking is more about how you can help them vs. how they can help YOU. Provide value first, then ask for help.
• The dreaded elevator pitch. Saying who you are & what you do clearly and concisely.
• When you do find a contact, it's hard to bridge the gap between personal and professional conversation
• Identifying a networking group that can maximize your chances of securing a job.
• Just jumping in and getting started with a conversation can be one of the hardest for me
• getting your message across in an effective but non obtrusive way
• Fearing rejection and feeling like you're bothering people are two big networking worries
• Here's an article that might help you with networking: 11 Rules for Networking http://wp.me/pObyU-A 
• Discipline to keep networking. It's easy to get to a 'comfortable place' and think you're done.
• Being nervous and talking too fast!
• Your industry knowledge is key. At a networking event, you need to have something to offer others!

Q2: What are some ice-breakers that have worked for you?

• Icebreaker? Ask them to tell you about themselves. People love to talk. You listen & learn, then add to the conversation.
• Good to have some ice breakers already prepared. My favorite: Is this your first time here? If not what makes you keep coming bk
• I stand by the food table so I can always eat if they r mean:)
• The first icebreaker is your smile. - And a firm handshake!
• Ice breaker: where are you originally from? 
• Networking tip: While there's typically food there, eat before. You'll have free hands to shake & provide resumes!
• 'playing host' by making introductions or passing out name tags is a great ice-breaker. it takes pressure off. 
• ask them about their company and what they do for them
• Once you meet someone, introduce them to another and then form your own "group."
• Great ice-breaker there--talk about the food!
• Make sure to emphasize what you can do for them instead of what they can do for you. Be your own salesperson. Show your skills.
• I think a good ice-breaker is showing genuine interest in the other person's life during the conversation
• Say, "Hi," and smile. Think more about how to listen vs. what to say.
• Focus on local common ground. "Man those Seahawks were bad last weekend" or "did you hear about XZY downtown last week?"
• Icebreaker: What are you seeing as industry/profession trends right now?
• Reading their nametag and introducing yourself, easy!
• having group ambassadors like in the chambers help with introductions. After that it is up to your conversation
• a simple question like what is the last good movie you saw has always helped me
• People love to talk about themselves. Just start with a simple question.
• Listening happens in three stages- Receiving / Processing / Responding - 3 keys to good networking practice
• I always look for someone who seems to be "lost" or lonely-looking...invite them in
• sign up as a volunteer at the registration guest or a greeter at the event.
• ask what people are passionate about, not what they do
• My usual opening line: "Bride or groom?" 
• ask how they like their iphone/android/blackberry or other gadget!
• Networking is almost like that first initial date. Get to know the person you are talking to. Figure out their interests 
• Dont look distracted with whos coming in the room, remember the person in front of you!

Q2A Where do you find networking events?

• LinkedIn has an application "Networking Events" that you can use to find local meetings.
• Places to look for networking events - meetup.com/LinkedIn events & groups/local yahoogoups/Social Networking site
• check meetup.com and look for networking events, chamber mixers, organization postings in community calendars.
• Meetup.com, Yahoo Groups (professional associations), even community news sites/papers to find networking events

Q3: What are tips for smart schmoozing?

• It's nice to go with a friend, but don't just talk to people you already know all night.
• Do your research! Show excitement for previous accomplishments and seek to gain more understanding about them
• Keep your hands and mouth free to talk... hard to create a good first impression with your hands and mouth full! 
• Networking- shut your phone off unless you are waiting for a call from the president or your expecting wife
• what can you offer to do to help the person with whom you are networking.
• networking is like sales ~ 1st build relationship, then find out their needs, sell yourself as the solution
• Be natural and go with the flow. You don't want to sound fake and/or insincere.
• Smart Schmoozers respect others time - are precise, to the point and do not overdo
• Smart schmoozing has to include diligent follow up. No connection established if there is no follow through.
• If you did your homework on attendees, you know their background. State their point & casually agree with it
• Here's an article we did on smart schmoozing. http://www.bizme.biz/bizclass/smart-schmoozing-big-tips-for-small-talk/
• When in doubt, ask questions -- people like to talk about themselves!
• Make the conversation about them before you make it about you.
• Always have something to offer. Be willing to pay it forward!!! Don't be a taker!!!
• Be genuinely interested. No canned conversation. Get him/her talking about something s/he's excited about.  
• Another huge part of schmoozing is really listening to the other person. They can tell you a lot if you pay attention
• Also - in schmoozing - don't make promises you can't follow up on
• Tips for smart schmoozing: eye contact, avoid alcohol, and listen more than you talk!
• Take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth, LISTEN more..talk less. Let people know you're truly interested.
• Don't lead w/ what u want, start by finding out about them~what they do~find out if your exp./background would fit their needs
• Collaborative conversation is good schmoozing - find what you both value and discuss key points/solutions.
• Challenge yourself NOT to ask someone "What do you do?" You'll stay curious longer and make a better connection.
• Be patient and be prepared to build a real relationship. Don't expect someone to offer you a job then and there.
• Have found this article to be very helpful. 10 tips for successful business networking. http://bit.ly/BFFAT
• The key to schmoozing at a networking event is to mingle. Make sure you circle the room. You may meet some really great people.
• Dont hit and run, nurture the relationship!

Q4: Just for fun--what are some networking horror stories?

• Ever been stuck talking to someone who WON'T stop even to breathe, so you can't exit the conversation? It's the worst!
• Once showed up at a networking event 45 min late, and everyone was drunk!
• not a personal one but spilling your drink or food on someone would be awful
• don't forget the breath mints!
• Be PRESENT!!! Don't be checking your BlackBerry while trying to have a convo!!!
• had a "close talker" back me up over 12 feet into a wall without realizing it!!! Pay attention to cues!
• have been to networking events that was more like a new form of match.com . Not good.
• be sure you know who your speaking w. - person call me Ken for 15 mins before I corrected
• Had a person follow me after the conversation was clearly over.

Q5: Have you or someone you know successfully networked your way to a job?

• That is how I got my current job!
• My husband got a job offer outside his field through networking.
• Client called former co-worker to do "Whassup." Colleague had just changed jobs. Client now has his job. 
• Networked through a current job to stir up offers in related fields (through vendor contacts, publishers, 3rd parties)
• Started with a cold email based on shared background. 2 months later ended up with an out of the blue job offer
• Definitly, and the common theme was that the person made an effort to keep a relationship with the other
• I have networked into a new job - several times. Key is to add value, share solutions and stay in contact appropriately! 
• I worked a job fair at my college for my last position. Spoke with Dir. Career Services, who introduced me to current co-worker.
• Soulsearched w/client, she told network what she wanted and she landed her dream job by referral
• Cultivated friendship @ weekly job seekers mtg. Then invited 2 another netwkg grp who gave me lead to my current job
• I have actually gotten many positions through my alumni listserve! (That's networking indirectly, though, no?)

 Do you have any other advice to add to the questions?

Should you use a recruiter?

I just participated in my first ever tweetchat.  It was interesting to be sure.  Even though I tweet, I got a bit confused.  All of a sudden loads of tweets would show up and it just keeps going faster and faster.  The site is http://www.tweetchat.com/. The hashtag was #careerchat.  It happens Tuesday's at 12PM Central time. I found out about this twitter phenomenon from CampustoCareer blog article http://campus-to-career.com/2010/11/02/how-to-work-with-recruiters/

The topic of the tweetchat was Working with Recruiters. I will share the highlights: (the answers are taken directly from the twitter feed and the words are in twitspeak in some cases.) If you need to learn more about using Twitter for your job search check out two of our previous blogposts Twitter and the Job Search and a short video on using twitter.

Q1: How do you feel about working with recruiters to get a job?
Answers:

• Recruiters *can* help present you in the best light possible. In your initial convo with one be sure to SELL yourself
• Definitely believe they are helpful. IT's good not to rely on them %100. Always conduct your own search as well.
• They can be a resource if you are looking for a job in a different city/state. The more people you know, the better.
• A recruiter is going to know what things the employer are looking for specifically. It's their job to get it right!
• When working with a recruiter be sure to know their niche/focus because most specialize!
• If they (a recruiter) believe in you they will fight for you
• Try to choose a recruiter who is wired into the industry/ targets you are looking for! Don't be afraid to ask!
• The recruiter is a direct pipeline to the Hiring Manager
• Recruiter is a source of information for the seeker - not just the hiring manager. Ask questions & advice of your recruiter!

Q2: Should you try to go around the recruiter and straight to the hiring manager?
Answers:

• Bridge burning!
• ethically u shouldn't especially if you got it through them. But the Q is, why are hiring managers still seeking recruiters //Good ones vet candidates, save time & $.
• clients direct candidates who approach them directly back to me.(the recruiter)
• If you can, good to have one or two contacts who know hiring mgr place recommendation calls. No more.
• If the recruiter finds a potential position for you at a company, it may be best not to undermine them
• It may backfire on you, especially if the hiring manager knows you got their info through a recruiter.
• Recruiters often specialize in a certain field. Find them on linked in and build a relationship.
• Absolutely not. Going against the recruit if that is SOP is a tale-tell sign that you can't follow instructions
• going around the recruiter is similar to going around a real estate agent after they show a house to you.

Q3: How do you answer the salary range question?
Answers:

• a) ask others in the industry b) get data on salary trends c) calculate ur worth > a career has to be a win-win situation
• I say provide a range but let them know you are willing to work with them.
• For salary range, look online for the industry standard in your field and judge from there.
• Answering the "salary expectations" question: http://j.mp/bWmOil 
• Great salary resource is glassdoor.com. Ranges for specific companies, cities, & jobs.
• Research salaries for pros in that position/industry and always give a range.
• best to let the employer give number first. But if u can't, just be honest
• Answer salary range question broadly, after doing ur homework on company/position/industry.
• give past salary history then range of acceptable $ ~ sometimes worth taking less $ if better benefits/flexibility/growth
• a few IT recruiters that it's best to be direct on this. Not giving a number to them is "non-compliance"
• Want the job? Offer not quite what you want? Negotiate a 6-mo salary review. Be sure it's in offer letter.
• Article on salary Q if interested http://bit.ly/9uFySo Also negotiating for more http://bit.ly/du2J0W
• Compute your hourly. Work weeks vary tremendously. What might sound like a pay cut could be an increase.
• we recommend doing the LMI for your area and quoting a range so the interviewer knows you have done research
• Be honest about salary range! Go too low and you'll be disappointed, go to high and you lose viable job options!
• Research! Don't neglect industry message boards, library databases & past stats from DOL 4 your position/industry.
• work out what you can afford to take and add 20% is my formula
• do your research!!! You should already know the ranges for industry, position, and experience level.
• we recommend doing the LMI for your area and quoting a range so the interviewer knows you have done research
• Help them understand your value to the organization. More "you" talk than "I" talk.
• Be mindful of when the salary question is asked. If early on, they are "weeding out" candidates. If later, they want you
• Monster.com have a very good salay and package comparator based on other jobs, title, area and experience
• The conversation should show how you will add value not what you can get from the company.
• If $ can't be worked out, ask for other perks (flex time, tuition reimbursement, travel expenses, etc.)

Q4: Are recruiters are being replaced by job boards and social networking sites?
Answers:

• recruiters are competing with direct sourcing. thats great for job seekers
• smart recruiters are using SM to their advantage and seeking out talent, but SM is a killer for the "not-so-smart" ones!
• Recruiters aren't being replaced by job boards, but are being used by some companies more strategically
• Social networking sites and job boards give us jobseekers the chance to talk directly to hiring managers.
• Probably not; people said the same thing when Monster came out. But recruiters help cos by meeting cands w/ their needs
• use every avenue. Dont close any off because you think they are dying
• no, recruiters aren't being replaced. there's a difference between sourcing candidates & closing them!
• Recruiters who can't sell themselves as an asset by effectively using SM are getting replaced
• Recruiters place the majority of job board advertising. that should tell you something
• I think social media helps people connect with recruiters more easily. But companies still value recruiting.
• Recruiter help hiring managers who do not use social networking sites (funny, some still don't) and help cut through the volume
• Not exactly. Finding candidates is different, but recruiters still vital for interfacing with employers
• definitely not ~ would say opposite. Recruiters help companies weed thru plethora of candidates 2 find quality matches
• Candidates may not see the value of a recruiter bc of job boards, etc, but they need to be seen as an additional resource.
• not totally, but many are using LI, Twitter & job boards to post that recruiters may have to recruit harder to compete.
• Don't solely rely on one source for your job search. Use them all effectively. Best to get your name out there.
• Recruiters help companies find employees who r not on networking sites or those who are who might b good fit for their co.
• Remember that SM is still "cutting edge"...and for some of us HR pros, big box sites (eg: monster) are still cutting edge!
• Interesting stats: 1M co profiles on LinkedIn, 14M on ReferenceUSA. Lots of hiring mgrs not on LI.
• Recruiting talent is more than just phone screening candidates. Recruiters won't be replaced by SM.
• View recruiters almost like a networking opportunity. They are there to learn about your interests and get you connected.
• Find target companies on RefUSA: http://j.mp/ccDho7. THEN find internal/external recruiters & hiring mgrs.
• In-house recruiters can be powerful allies. They know youll bring value to the company & want you there.
• Recruiters can be very valuable especially if u find one who will truly listen to what your passions are.
• Smart recruiters look for excellent placements that do more than fill a quota. Fantastic hire = Fantastic PR
• Need to establish expectations with your recruiter, and they need to give feedback and closure
• A recruiter in your corner can give you invaluable feedback re: how you interview, insider tips for an interview, etc.
• One of the most valuable tools you can have in your #jobhunt is a recruiter who sees your value & strives to get you hired.

Twitter Basics

Here is another short video on the basics of using Twitter to improve your business.  This presentation was created by KCDEE for the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce.



If you would like to see the presentations on Facebook and LinkedIn you can check our blog or our website www.kcdee.org/trainingvideos.html

Twitter and YOUR job search

How are you using your social media to help you find a job?

What are some pros and cons about using Twitter while your job search progresses.

To tweet or not to tweet, that is the question. Do all of your tweeps (the other people you follow on twitter) care if you are unemployed? Will that help or hurt you in your search?

There are two schools of thought on broadcasting over Twitter that you have recently lost your job. One thought pattern is that you are seeking sympathy; another is that you get the “news” out to everyone in one fell swoop and then when you see the person face to face, you can move on with other topics.

Twitter – Twitter profiles provide some of the same information that Facebook and LinkedIn provide. The information shared on Twitter is in 140 character "tweets".  Often it has a “pay it forward” concept.  You might find something and share it.  Someone else tweets something you think is worthy – you retweet it.  If you are looking for a job, try to hold back from tweeting what you had for breakfast or that you just went for a great 12 mile run.  Follow others who will provide job leads or useful information for your job search.

Search tools for Twitter allow you to find people or organizations as they do in LinkedIn.  Use this to your advantage to “follow” potential employers or contacts at an organization at which you would like to work.
You may even use Google or Bing or other search tools to find a person or a company and then search for them on Twitter.  You can search by company, field, job type, region, or in general.  Often, websites will post their Facebook or Twitter account with a link to follow them. Or you can search for people or organizations to follow on Twellow or on We Follow.  Mashable also has a suggestion for 15 Twitter Directories in a comparison. Look for recruiters to follow who hire for companies that do not publicly post their job openings.  Use Twellow (will search people's bios) to search for a company for which you would like to work and follow anyone from that company that might have twitter profiles.

If you are tweeting, a good source to follow for valuable tools about all aspects of social media is @mashable. Mashable suggests jobseekers follow: @microjobs and the hash tag discussion #tweetmyjobs. As you follow more people, you will discover more #resources. A few other hashtags to use include: #jobs, #jobhuntchat, #jobsearch, #jobadvice.  Be careful to watch the ratio of who you follow to those that follow you to prevent yourself from being classified as a spammer.

Read more of our articles on Social Media on our webpage - kcdee.org
What other hashtags have you found? Post in our comments please.