Source: Solidarity World – By Emsie Martin

Published: 13 August 2019

Article: https://jouloopbaan.solidariteit.co.za/en/job-hunting-and-social-media/

In the times we live in and with the high unemployment rate one should not use the regular channels only to look for work. One should cast around wider and also use the social networks. There are also various Facebook groups you can watch for vacancies countrywide.

Dr ST Potgieter, a psychologist from Bellville, has the following hints and guidelines regarding the search for work and social networks:

• Today you cannot simply react to advertisements in newspapers or hand in your CV at a personnel agency. Social networks play a bigger role.
• Employers are increasingly using social networks to advertise jobs.
• Link up with the large networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Myspace. Each of these social websites functions in its own unique way and you should make sure that you understand and can use it.
• LinkedIn is a professional network website in the professional world that is excellent for building a network and giving your CV exposure.
• On the Facebook search engine, type Job Search and then begin to participate actively.
• Make sure not to write anything on a profile such as Facebook that can disqualify you for a job or reflect negatively on you.
• Avoid any comments that could be interpreted as racist, sexist or discriminating.
• Potential employers may look up your name and get data and personal information on you. Remember, this could be your personal and private information for your friends, but when it appears on the social networks everybody can read it ─ a potential employer too.
• Do not post photos on Facebook that reflects negatively on you ─ it may be fun to share it with friends, but if a potential employer sees it, it could harm your profile as a future employee. If you do want to post it, use the option to keep it private so that only your friends see it.
• Don’t make an idiot of yourself on a social network. It could disadvantage you.
• Do not slander or abuse employers, they may just read it.
• Think about a personal website or blog where you can market your qualifications and experience, your CV and your skills.
• Make it clear on Facebook that you’re looking for a job and explain what you are qualified for. The more friends you have on Facebook, the more exposure you get and you can market yourself to a larger audience.
• When you post your information and CV to the social networks, see to it that it is neat. Your language must be good and make an excellent impression on potential employers.
• Many businesses nowadays use the social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. Sign in on a business that you see as a potential employer and stay informed of what they are doing. For instance, click “Like” on Facebook at the firm and when they do research about you, it could be to your advantage.
• Make sure that what you say on any network comes across as positive. Give your points of view, show character, but also take care that it is in good taste.
• The potential employer may google your name in its research on you. Information on the internet is to an increasing extent becoming a supplementary document to one’s formal CV.
• When you use the social networks when looking for a job, go all out. It’s hard work. Make sure that your name and CV and the type of work in which you are interested are highlighted and distributed throughout the social networks.
• Don’t linger. When you’ve put the word out on the social networks and a potential job offer or interview comes through, follow up immediately and make the arrangements.
• Getting an appointment in a firm is very often the result of your name being mentioned in the firm or business. The social media are excellent for making contact with employees in the relevant firm and getting your name mentioned there. The social networks are a powerful medium for building contacts.
• Do not rely on the social networks only, but still use the conventional methods too. All of this forms part of the total package of marketing yourself.
• Make sure that you cyber profile is in order. If you are worried, google yourself!

Googling your own name, is an easy way of finding out what employers and strangers will find out if they look for your name online. Make sure that you delete any information on your social-media accounts that you do not want to surface during a Google search. A golden rule for social-media followers is never to post anything you don’t want your mother to see!