Job Hunting? Expand & Leverage Your (Social) Network!

Are you on the hunt for a new job? Utilizing social networking sites can get you farther than you think…

Even if you’re not mechanically inclined, chances are you know the difference between a Philips-head and a flat-head screwdriver.  You prefer a chainsaw to an old-fashioned blade saw.  Your air powered nail gun inspires home improvement projects.  You have the right tool for the right job and it’s reason for bragging rights.  So, why not use all the tools available to you for a job search?

I am stunned by the number of millennials and renewable industry-focused skilled job seekers that avoid using professional networking sites such as LinkedIn in their quest to find a job.  Professional networking at industry events is a fun and effective way to meet potential employers, but it isn’t consistent.  These kinds of introductions needn’t stop at the end of an evening.  In fact, they continue on-line all week long and you don’t have to drive anywhere or spend money to “meet” and engage other industry professionals.  If you’re a recent graduate and feel you haven’t amassed enough experience to populate your profile, you should still have a presence there.  A well-written summary with an intention for how you plan to use your education to manifest a brilliant career is a great introduction to who you are, and what you are looking for in a job.  

Building your profile is a no-brainer.  Connecting with people you know, or think you should know, takes seconds.  Overnight you can build a community of like-minded professionals who may later become the bridge to your next position.  The goal is to grow a community that will foster, support and advocate for you throughout your career, increase your opportunities for professional growth and development, while promoting your value via recommendations and references.  

Not using tools like LinkedIn is a lot like having a shiny red craftsman tool cabinet, but leaving all your tools on the floor.  There are job seeking and resume posting sites like Indeed that aggregate job posts from all over the country and bring them into one easy-to-use application.   Go to www.indeed.com to see what is out there for you.  Use keyword searches, narrow down by geography and comb through those pages.  Apply the same search parameters on LinkedIn.  Don’t stop at populating your profile, look at the variety of local jobs there you could be applying for in your own backyard.

There are dozens of other job searching and resume posting options, and many social networks where companies post active jobs.  Look for your favorite companies’ Facebook Page or Twitter feed.  Many companies will go for the immediate gratification of candidate sourcing from posting a job to FB or Twitter versus having to keep their website updated every time a new job vacancy arises.  

Remember; finding a job is like having another full-time job.  Time, patience, commitment and resourcefulness will put you on the fast track to success!

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