You’ve graduated from college, congratulations! If you don’t have a job already, it’s time to get one. So, listen up. All that time you’re wasting on Facebook may actually benefit you. The operative word here is “may”. If you’re doing it right, Facebook could lead you to your dream job.
Before you have a fighting chance, however, follow these simple tips to maximize your Facebook use:
1. Clean up Your Profile
This is super important. Employers now search Facebook profiles when determining if a candidate is the right fit. They will look all the way back to when you first logged on if they’re intrigued enough. So, delete obscene pictures, posts with foul or crude language, and anything else that might be construed as remotely inappropriate or embarrassing.
As important as it is to delete all the crap that has been accumulating on your profile, it’s just as important to update your About section with your previous jobs and education. You don’t need it to read as an online resume; however, you do want to include your background where applicable. Meaning, don’t force it, and don’t feel the need to go all the way back to a job or volunteer position you had when you were 13.
2. KIT revisited
KIT (keep in touch) has a whole new meeting when it comes to social networking. Be sure to get your friends’ and acquaintances’ contact information before you graduate. More importantly, become friends with them on Facebook. Email addresses, phone numbers, home addresses, etc. can change in an instant. But Facebook is always there; a little creepy when you think about it, no?
Anyway, Facebook can lead to a great job if you have a great referral from someone who knew you in college. According to Jobvite, employee referral programs are the leading source of candidate hires. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Employers are much more likely to hire someone if they came highly recommended by an employee within the firm.
3. Take Advantage of Social Media
Although sometimes underrated, social media can do wonders for your job search (as shown in points one and two). Think about all the cyber stalking you can do, of your prospective employer, that is. In all likelihood they are using sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Find them in each sphere and like their posts, stay up to date with their activity, and follow them. This will give you ammunition when preparing for your interview. If they know you’re paying attention and listening to what they have to say, they’ll think you care, and that will get you one step closer to securing the job you want.
Have any more tips to share? Share them in the space below!
