Resume Not Needed

This is the second part of a two-art series regarding the use of social media for job search. The first article concerned the rise of social media in job search, utilizing a targeted search, creating a personal brand, along with the creation of a video resume. We now turn our attention using the major social media sites, as well as Google Ad Words.

All-a-Twitter!

Twitter is now the primary means to connect with potential employers. By following hiring managers and recruiters, conducting company searches, and using the hash ("@") sign to communicate, you can connect directly with decision-makers and learn much about their companies in a short period of time.

To use Twitter you will need to have a completed profile that includes a short bio, your location, a link to a site that will provide additional information about yourself (e.g. blog or LinkedIn profile) and an avatar of yourself in professional. Including this information, you will increase your chances of building effective relationships.

Most people who get jobs though Twitter have accumulated hundreds (perhaps thousands) of followers. Recognize that this will take time to build but the key is to maintain a consistent presence so that you can build trust and credibility with your following. On many occasions, people who have lost jobs find new employment by directly tweeting their status.

Get LinkedIn

Recruiters and hiring managers are increasingly using LinkedIn to source viable candidates because the site is free to use and the sought-after candidates are members. Most recruiters and hiring managers utilize key words to sort through profiles. For this reason, job seekers should embed important key words related to both profession and industry throughout their profile. Also important is to ensure that profiles are 100% complete so that users may make the most of the LinkedIn experience. Use the same avatar as on your Twitter and Facebook pages. It will also be very helpful to obtain at least one recommendation from a supervisor, colleague, or client. This will appears a "thumbs up" graphic on your profile.

To start building or expand your network, import all of your contacts from Yahoo! and Gmail. The more people you connect with the better because you will only be able to network with those within your 1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd degrees of contact. Another option is to sign up for a Premium account which will allow you to contact those outside of your network. The job search tool allows you to search for jobs by keywords such as title and industry. Join groups within your industry and be an active participant, either by posting comments or answering questions in your area of expertise. Build some rapport with other members before asking for job search assistance.

Market your Personal Brand with AdWords and Facebook Ads

Google AdWords is Google's advertising platform and offers both pay-per click (CPC) and Cost per impression (CPI) pricing for ads placed on Google and affiliate sites such as newspapers, magazines, radio, and TV.

You will need to create a landing page before posting an advertisement. In most cases this will be the résumé page of your personal Web site or blog. In this way recruiters and hiring manger are not only sent directly to your résumé, but are also linked to your other pages to become even more familiar with your brand message.

Steps to create an ad:

1. Pick a memorable title in keeping with your brand. You can use your name and the words "expert", "skilled", "professional", etc. You may want to insert the word résumé so visitors know what to expect when they click on the link.

2. Description tags. In the following two or three description tags, highlight your most significant achievements in six words or less (this is akin to an "elevator pitch" used with in-person networking.)

3. Site address (URL). To promote your personal brand, don't use your blog or Web site URL for your resume page, but rather "yourname.com." You can eliminate the www from this address because it is unnecessary.

Facebook Social Ads allows businesses and individuals to advertise using Facebook's news feed or ad spots that display on the right side of the page. Facebook Ads work similar to Google AdWords but Facebook allows you to incorporate a picture and it is more: referral-friendly" because ads travel through the news feeds of your friends. The link to create an ad is found on the left side of your home page.

Steps in creating a Facebook Ad:

1. Choose a title. This is important since you want to convey your purpose as succinctly as possible. You can write something like "Résumé of (your name)" or "Résumé for (type of position you see.)"

2. Insert a picture. You can use the same avatar as on our Facebook profile as long as it is professional and you wouldn't mind a future employer viewing it.

3. Target your ad. When creating an ad, Facebook allows you to choose certain factors related to your target audience. Be sure to select those factors which are most representative of those who are most likely to hire you such as your industry, job title, location, etc.

4. Description. Don't rewrite your résumé but provide the reader with a snapshot of who you are, your background, and the type of position you seek. Try to do this in 30 words or less.

Once you create your ad, link it to your Facebook page, LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, along with personal Web site/blog.

Subscribe to blogs that include job postings

Over the past few years, larger blogs have included listings of job openings. Many times these blogs are industry specific, such as Problogger that posts blogging jobs and Mashable whose job board has an emphasis on social media and tech.

Combine Traditional Job Search with Social Media Strategy

The most successful job search strategy will integrate traditional methods with online and in-person networking. One recommendation is to incorporate the links to your LinkedIn profile, blog or personal Web site on your traditional résumé. You may also want to link each of your social media profiles to one another. If you have a blog, contribute new and valuable content on a regular basis. The goal is to be a consistent presence in your market so that recruiters and hiring managers can find you.