The age-old process of submitting resumes and applications has changed from filling out paper forms, copying resumes and mailing them both by snail mail to a prospective employer. Today, job sites, like http://www.phillyjobs.com/ make it easy to search job openings and apply for jobs online in one easy process. While the process for applying for jobs has changed, employers are also using new tactics to screen applicants and delve into their backgrounds using social media sites.
Employers know job fit is a more important job success factor. How well a person fits into the company culture, relates to and communicates with others, and is open to continuous learning and feedback are critical factors job-fit criteria. Skills and processes can be taught. Personality and work ethic are part of a person’s nature. The best way to uncover these characteristics is through references.
Employers know that the three references listed on a job application are hand-picked by the applicant according to how complimentary they can be about the applicant’s prior work experience. Most likely, the references have been coached ahead of time to highlight skills or traits that relate directly to the current job opening. As a former HR Director, it was almost a waste of time checking these references, since you knew they would be rave reviews. However, more HR recruiters are using social media for finding other reference sources. With that in mind, here are six tips to make your profile work for you:
1. Be sure your resume on LinkedIn is the same as the one you submit with applications. Discrepancies or contradictions will work against you.
2. Keep your job history up-to-date and concise. Listing every job since high school in detail is too much information. Keep your history targeted to your target job market.
3. Solicit good referrals. The best way to do it is to write a positive referral for someone else. They are likely to return the favor.
4. Examine your contact list. An employer can do a people search and most likely find mutual connections. You want your contacts to know you well and have good things to say about you. How well did you get along with your 447 contacts? Which ones may reveal how you used to shop online for hours or help yourself to office supplies for your kids? Delete contacts that could do your job search some harm.
5. Send invites to friends, former managers or co-workers that would act as good references. Build a contact list of cheerleaders.
6. If you are changing careers, add relevant skills and training to your profile. Post updates about your new career goals and the steps you are taking for the transition. Join groups in your new career field or industry and ask for information or advice to create a presence and generate interest.
How has social media affected your job search? Share your experiences in the Comments section below.
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for phillyjobs.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients reinvent their careers for today’s job market. You can read more of her blogs at phillyjobs.com and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.
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