Is Social Media a Requirement for Organizations Today?
Social media has become a necessity in today’s world. It delivers everything we want to know about pretty much anything in a split second. While some embrace it and use social media regularly, others still do not. So what role does social media play in today’s job market, and how important should it be in your search?
To answer that, we need to understand the two sides of the job search equation, and how each uses social media. For companies today, social media is as much a marketing tool to get their names out to the masses and engage with their consumers.
What is becoming more common is that companies are using it in their recruiting and human resources engagements. Social media allows these departments to identify with passive candidates and engage with leaders in the industry that were once difficult to reach. It’s as strong a method of communication as any other.
What you Need to Know About your Social Media Presence
Kristin Kane Ford, Director of Social Media, at Kane Partners, explains that you need to be on social media. “Social media allows a prospective employer to get to know you beyond just the words on a resume. It has the potential to identify you as someone engaged in your industry, or contributes to the conversations taking place in the industry.”
Kane also described things to be mindful of on social media: “Companies will review your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. You need to be mindful that they you don’t overshare on any platform, especially things that could be deemed offensive or embarrassing.”
“Be sure you keep up to date, especially on platforms such as LinkedIn, or it may be seen as inconsistency. Keep in mind being actively involved in industry conversations, building networks, and visible within your industry, it can help support your candidacy.”
Getting Social Media to Work for you
Sites like LinkedIn can be immensely important for a job seeker, if managed properly. Here are a few useful tips:
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- Make sure your profile is up to date.
- Build a network of family, friends, and industry contacts, to show you are engaged and communicate.
- Don’t forget to follow industry specific groups.
- Follow companies that are involved in your specific line of work.
- Engage in conversations, and like topics you have read and find interesting.
- A general rule to follow with all social media, is that if you wouldn’t want your mother, spouse, or children to see it, you shouldn’t post it. It is best to view “social media” as another tool in your job search.
Yes social media can be a valuable tool, if used in the proper context. At Kane Partners, we have a social media division that keeps us apprised of new advancements. We train our staff and recruiters on social media tools and activities, which allows us to guide you through the positive ways to use social media in your next position.
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