3 Ways to Use Social Media in Your Job Search

You’ve done your research on how to write your resume and cover letter, and even taken the time to practice answering common interview questions. Now, all you have to do is apply for the perfect job.

But you may not be familiar with the latest and greatest approach to job hunting: social media.

Most people know how to use social media in their personal lives, but don’t always appreciate its effectiveness as a job search tool. Social platforms are more than just a place to play Candy Crush, share memes or socialize with friends; employers and recruiters use LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and other platforms to recruit and hire candidates from all over the world.

So, how can you harness the power of social media and apply it to your everyday job search?

Use LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply”

LinkedIn allows you to do a quick and vast job search by job title, keyword, company and even location. Once you find an attractive job posting, you’ll notice that there are two ways that you can submit your application: apply on a company’s website or with your LinkedIn profile through “Easy Apply.” Take advantage of this feature, as it makes applying for positions a three or four-click breeze:

1. Tap “Easy Apply”
2. Enter your phone number
3. Upload your resume (optional)
4. Submit your application

One of the best features of this job search tool is that it’s a mobile-friendly experience. You can easily apply from your phone, or you can save a job and apply later. LinkedIn profiles are quickly becoming the de-facto standard for digital resumes, so make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to snuff before you begin submitting applications.

Let recruiters know you’re open to new opportunities on LinkedIn

 LinkedIn recently released a feature that allows users to indicate their interest in exploring new job opportunities. You can turn this feature on by clicking Jobs > Update > Preferences > Let Recruiters Know You Are Open.

By turning this feature on, you can automatically make your profile more visible to recruiters and increase your chances of being contacted about open positions that match your experience and qualifications.

Put your social media profiles on your resume

Lastly, stand out from the crowd by showcasing your social media profiles on your resume. By sharing your profiles, recruiters can quickly find you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter and observe your social media skills, which are becoming increasingly important in many roles.

You can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise on social media by sharing content, such as industry-focused blog posts, infographics, SlideShares and more. Before you share your social information with potential employers, however, make sure your profiles are free of compromising or controversial posts or pictures.