Top 10 Social Media Management Tips for Job Seekers

We all know the conventional wisdom that if you’re a job seeker it’s great to be on social media. But what does that mean for the busy job seeker, particularly the executive, who might not know how to position himself/herself on a social media platform? Does it mean that you have to keep your Twitter account up all the time? Which is the right social media platform for you? Do you need to engage every day? Read on for the top 10 social media management tips for job seekers.

What social media platforms should I be on as a job seeker?

Social media management is essential for successful job seekers.

1. Have a presence on social media in a way that suits your job search and personality. You don’t have to engage more than you want to, as long as you’re consistent in your approach.
2. Choose one or two social media platforms and stick with them. Don’t feel like you have to have a huge presence on every social media platform, so choose the ones on which you will be consistent and develop an engaging brand with those who might seek to hire an executive like you.
3. Make sure that if you’re an executive job seeker, one of the social media platforms on which you engage is LinkedIn.

How should I present myself on social media as a job seeker?

4. Be authentic. People want to know that what they see in your profile is who you really are, say, in a phone interview or face-to-face job search. This also means be kind and refrain from flaming.
5. Demonstrate your expertise by posting essential, perhaps newsworthy industry information.
6. Determine the position you wish to take on issues relevant to your industry or executive level, then stick with them–or create subtle controversy by explaining why you’re switching sides.

How do I manage to engage on social media, because as a job seeker I’m busy and don’t have time to waste? What tools can I use?

7. Use the social media tools themselves. By working within, say, LinkedIn, every day, you’ll get a good sense of what others are doing and saying in your space.
8. Get a HootSuite or SocialOomph account for an efficient, dashboard-like approach.
9. Remember that the rule of reciprocity matters as much in social media as it does in real life. Repost and comment on others’ posts in greater proportion than you do send original microblog posts. Interestingly, this consistent practice makes engaging with social media simple and efficient.

What’s the single best way to promote myself online?

10. Write a blog, and write it consistently. WordPress is an easy, free platform for you to use–all you need is a URL and hosting company (your investment is less than $50 annually, typically).

Thanks for reading these top 10 social media management tips for job seekers. I welcome your comments. If you are a job seeker and need solid advice on developing your social media presence, contact Five Strengths Career Transition Experts. We will help you develop the platform and social media presence you need to get ahead in your career.

Image courtesy of stock.xchng / svilen001.