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Job Brick Wall, Issue #010-- Social Networking for Job Seekers October 20, 2010 |
Hello Friends! Good to be with you again. Despite the stubborn unemployment rate, I continue to be optimistic about future job prospects. This month I'm going to share with you why social networking will open up new job horizons for you. There is a bit of a learning curve to SN, but it's well worth your effort. Once you get it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. And the best news of all...it's even fun. Are you following my daily Job Interview Blog? Happy Hunting...and keep smiling! Mike Petras Every adversity, every unpleasant circumstance, every failure, and every physical pain carries with it the seed of an equivalent benefit. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson What exactly is Social Networking?Many people have heard about it, but aren't exactly sure what it is, or how it will benefit them. Others think they understand it, but go about it poorly because they have a very limited understanding of proper SN etiquette and protocol. Still others think it's stupid, and won't even give it a chance. Will it help you find a job? Yes...if you go about it the right way, and don't get carried away with all the hype. Is it difficult or uncomfortable to do? There is a learning curve to it...like any new skill...but, if you invest the time to learn it, it is well worth it. It can even be fun...and almost addictive...especially Twitter. So, what's the big deal? Why should you even mess with it? Ever heard the old saying: It's not what you know, but who you know? You might chuckle at this saying as you slowly shake your head from side to side...but it's really true. Do you know someone who received a promotion or landed a job simply because they knew someone with the power to pull a few strings? Sure you do. So do I. We all do. Social networking helps level the playing field for you, and connects you to influential people who have the power to solve some of your problems. And that includes the problem of unemployment, under-employment, or a career going nowhere. FACT: 70% of the most effective job search strategies are thru networking. In a nutshell, social networking is a powerful way to expand your network of trusted individuals...many of whom will be delighted to hear from you and eager to help you. Honestly! The 3 best social networking sites today, in order of importance, are: Even if you think you are an expert on one of more of these sites, take the time to study and learn how to properly use these sites to your career advantage. FACT: Most people only tap into 30%, or less, of the wealth these sites offer. Each site is a little different and offers something unique. The best news is all of these sites are free to use and can provide you with incredible career leverage. Keep in mind, there is a learning curve to this. It will take you a few weeks to fully get it. But it will be well worth it. Special Tip: The best advice I can give you is go slowly and only focus on one SN site at a time. Once you get the hang of it, move on to the next one. It takes most people 6-8 weeks of learning and actual hands-on use of these sites to become fairly proficient. This seems like a long time, but it's well worth it...and can be quite fun. Look at developing your social networking skills like a major project. In the beginning of your training, block out 1-2 hours a day to focus on it. As the days go by it will soon become second nature to you like any new skill. IMPORTANT: Social Networking doesn't end when you find a job. Even if you love your new job and plan to retire from the company, you always want to maintain your network of connections. We live in a day and age when you never know if your company will be closed, sold, downsized, or merged. You could be happy as a Lark one day, and the next day find yourself walking out to your car carrying a box full of your office stuff. Your social network is your lifeline and insurance against unforeseen career-wrecking events. Four Great Social Networking Resources
Until next month... Mike Petras Copyright 2009-2010 job-interview-wisdom.com. All rights reserved. Daily Blog | About Me | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Contact Me |
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