'Tis the Season to Get Hired: 3 Ways You Should Flex On Social Media

It’s hiring season! October and November are great times to get a new job before hiring slows down in December. A good number of career coaches and human resources professionals agree that simply applying to jobs online is one of the least effective ways to get a new job. A thorough job search includes a little bit of applying online, and a lot of contacting recruiters directly, networking offline and online, reaching out to people you know, and yes, using social media. 

I think social media is an underutilized way to find a new job. LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are free-to-use platforms that are great tools to incorporate into your job search, if you use them wisely. In fact, a young man named Davian Chester noticed that there wasn’t a Google Doodle to commemorate Juneteenth, so he tweeted an illustration of his own Doodle. Someone at Google noticed an offered him a job. As you can see, there's money to be made! Here are some simple things you can do: 

Flex on 'em and actively use LinkedIn

The first thing you should do is stop arguing with strangers on the Internet about politics, race, and religion. Instead of doing that, use LinkedIn to find people you admire in your industry or an industry you hope to enter and connect with them. Set a reminder on your calendar for the same time every day to go on LinkedIn and comment on 2 - 3 people's posts. It’s not creepy. If you can argue with strangers on the Internet, you can make a meaningful comment (this is how you flex) that could potentially help you get a new job. If commenting makes you feel too uncomfortable, start by liking posts and work your way up to make meaningful comments. 

You should also use LinkedIn to find the name of the recruiter or hiring manager for a role you’re interested in applying to, and email the person your resume directly. Even if there isn’t an open role and you really want to work at the company, write a "pain letter" and email a recruiter. It’s a lot easier than you think; Liz Ryan has some great tips, including how to write a “pain letter” instead of a “cover letter.” 

Keep it 100 

Be honest and open about your job search. If you’re looking for a new job, be honest with people because you never know who can help nudge open that door you’ve been trying to open by yourself. If you’re in between jobs, or if you have a great boss who cares about your development and is aware of your job search, create a LinkedIn or Facebook post letting people know you’re open to new opportunities. List some of your skills, the types of roles you’re looking for, and your preferred method for people to reach out to you. If no one likes or comments on your post, don't get discouraged, just share another post in 4 - 5 days. If you’re not comfortable making a public post, consider electric sliding into someone’s DM. Direct message people in your industry whom you are connected with, let them know you’re job hunting and open to new opportunities, and ask if you can send them your resume. They'll likely remember you when they see opportunities.

Be about that hashtag life  

Searching hashtags is probably the most underutilized way to find money-making opportunities! Legitimate money-making opportunities like full-time or part-time jobs, and consulting or freelance gigs; not pyramid schemes or flat tummy teas. There are a good number of opportunities shared every day, especially on LinkedIn and Twitter. Search #hiring, #imhiring, #jobopportunity, #werehiring, #openpositions, #hiring, #freelancer, #freelancegig, etc… There are so many options. The most important thing is to follow the directions in the caption or tweet. If the person says to send them a message, send a message. If they provide a link to the job posting and tell you to apply there, apply using the link. Don’t just leave a comment saying you’re looking for a job; take action and find a way to get your resume into the right hands. 

These are simple things you can do to enhance your job search. Happy searching and feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!