Don't Let Social Media Slow Down Your Job Search!

For the purposes of this article, we will focus on the following social media channels: LinkedIn

, Twitter, Facebook, and profession-related online networks. Each of these can help you reach people in your field that may provide that 'next step' in finding the right job. In fact, the best way to think about social media is as an online extension of what you should already be doing: networking.

Meeting with professionals in your area of expertise for a cup of coffee or lunch can prove invaluable - but sometimes these people are simply too busy to commit that much time to an 'unknown' like yourself. That's where LinkedIn, Twitter, and the others come in. You can 'reach out' to them by posting a question or sending a direct message. They can control the time they spend in responding to you. Of course, you should respect their time - don't hound them.

As you move more deeply into social media, you will learn that it can absorb as much time as you're willing to provide. That is the danger. Don't let your job search efforts in other areas suffer because you're posting and responding to an endless string of Tweets or LinkedIn questions! Treat your activities on these channels as any other - limit the time you devote to them. For example, a typical job search day might involve an hour searching job boards or review job posting alerts, an hour locating relevant professional groups on LinkedIn and joining them, an hour or two calling your targeted companies to gather more information or network, and perhaps a lunch date with a colleague or professional acquaintance. Mix the online and offline activities - don't make the mistake of relying solely on your online efforts.

Also, remember that the nature of social media is that it can be interruptive - a Tweet will appear that you feel drawn to read, or someone will post a new status on Facebook. Fight the urge to follow this type of activity all day. Again, limit your time on social media and stay focused.

Another key rule to remember for all of your networking activity is to give as much as you take. Try to bring a gift of information or offer of help to each person you connect with; such courtesy will ensure that you are remembered and appreciated.

Social media can help your job search - just don't let it take over!

by: Eric Shanman

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