Social Media

Organizations and recruiters often use social media platforms as a tool to hire new staff, meaning job seekers can use these platforms to look for new employment opportunities. No matter where you are in your career journey, it is important to understand how to use social media effectively and responsibly.
 

Using social media as a job search tool

Employers use social media platforms to promote their businesses, which can include sharing potential employment opportunities. If you’re a job seeker or are looking to advance your career in a particular field, you can use social media to expand your search.

A good place to start is to create a list of organizations you would like to work for and do a search for each one on social media. Once you find these accounts, follow them to see any future job openings they might post. Job postings on social media will provide directions on how you can apply.

Be sure to:

• Carefully follow any instructions the employer provides on how to apply to the job.
• Do not direct message the employer unless they say to do so in the job posting.
• Only follow accounts operated by the organizations themselves.
• Follow organizations on different platforms, e.g. they may use both Instagram and Facebook.
• Widen your search by looking for similar organizations that the company is associated with, as they could have job openings posted on their social media accounts too.

Networking with friends and followers:

Apps like LinkedIn are a good place to start networking. Instagram, Facebook and your other social media channels can also help you find opportunities.

• Post on your social media profiles that you are looking for a new job.
• Go through your social media network of friends and followers and make a list of the people you want to talk to about finding a new job.

• Send each person on your list a direct message asking about potential employment opportunities. Here is an example:

  Hello, [name], how have you been?
  
  I am looking for a new job, and I’m wondering if you know of any openings available [at their company or industry].
  
  Can we talk sometime soon? I would love to catch up and get your feedback.
  
  Best wishes,
  [Your name]

Networking with employers:

A big part of networking is effort. It is important to show organizations that you want to work with them, even if they have no job openings right now.

• Like and make positive comments on posts from companies you are following.
• If you use LinkedIn, add an “open to work” banner to your profile photo.
• Send a direct message to companies you want to work for and ask if they have information sessions for potential employees.
• Reach out to people at the organization or in the field you are interested in on LinkedIn and ask them for an informational coffee interview. Sometimes individual employees are open to responding, especially if you have similar career interests. Plus, they were once in the same position you are now. Here is an example of a message you could send:
  
  Hello,
  
  My name is [your name], and I am interested in learning more about [company name].
  
  I am looking to move into a new role as [job type or career field] and would love to speak with you about how to work with your team. Perhaps we could schedule a quick [phone, virtual call or in-person offer to buy them a coffee]? I’m open to whatever works best for you.
  
  Thank you,
  [Your name and contact info]

Whatever strategies you use, expanding your network will expand your prospects.

The people in your network may not be aware of any current job openings, but if a position comes up, they will know you are looking. This is why it is so important to spread your message as far as possible.

Be sure to check out our networking page for more information.
 

Responsible social media use

Many employers also use social media to screen potential hires. When you apply for a job, there is a good chance that the employer will search for you on social media and look at your profile(s).

It is important that you keep your online profiles tidy:

• Use a profile photo that is clear, recent and accurately represents you, such as a headshot. (If you do not have one, ask a friend to take one for you. Dress as you would for an interview, stand in front of a neutral background and take it in a location with plenty of natural light.)
• Remove any posts or comments that may be seen as inappropriate in a professional work environment.

You can also limit what non-followers see by making your profiles private.

Take your time as you become more comfortable using social media to expand your network and find career opportunities. New roles and connections will come if you are consistent with reaching out to employers and people in your network.

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