How To Use Social Media To Stand Out From Other Candidates

The only thing worse than having your social networking profiles analysed and scrutinised by potential employers, is not having social networking profiles at all. If you’ve been living under a rock and you haven’t quite got to grips with the technology-induced world that currently exists, you might want to re-evaluate your priorities.

Not being accustomed to the era of social media isn’t necessary the be all and end all; and it’s certainly still possible enough to land the job you want without it. However, social media can boost your chances when applying for competitive roles.

Social media is one of the most essential advertising techniques to give yourself a prominent brand in the scary job market.

The best way to use social media to your advantage is to first outline your skills, previous experience and your personality on sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Most companies will want clear, concise and correct information that is written in a structured and professional manner; but it is also imperative to try and think outside the box and to push your creative side.

If you have your own private Twitter and Facebook page for everyday personal use, you should have additional profiles to use on a professional basis that can be found and analysed by others.

Excelling in social media can give you the opportunity to build your own online portfolio which is bound to express what you’re all about. This draws more attention to you as an employee, and will attract recruiters or clients to your services.

When it comes to social media, the facts are in the figures. In a recent study done by Career-Builder, 55% of employers who researched job applicants on social media claim they found something that caused them not to hire the applicant. The research found that 48% of recruiters currently use social networking sites to glean information on potential job candidates. However, it isn’t merely employers and recruiters that can use social media for their own benefits.

As a candidate, sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn should never be ignored. Many employers do use them to promote their brand and their job offers, which allows potential candidates to network with recruitment staff. This information can help you to pick up useful tips on the company and the job-searching process, which will make you come over as a well-informed candidate - so it is well worth making use of.

It’s important to ensure that your profile page sells you effectively - it should act as an online CV that allows you to mention your career goals. It's also a good idea to put your photo in your profile because people are more likely to connect to you if you have one.