Social Media and Career Advancement
Social media is one of the driving forces of the internet in the 21st century – and it can become a driving force in your career advancement and development as well. Here’s how to use the biggest social media platforms to advance your career:
- Connect with the top people in your field. Find the biggest names in your field on social media and “add” them as friends or connections on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. This way, you’ll stay on top of their work and ideas, which can help you develop your own – and to contribute when you have something valuable to say.
- Showcase your own work. By using a consistent name and professional profile photo across social media sites, you gain access to dozens of ways in which to showcase your own work. Facebook and Twitter are great for getting short messages and links to a lot of people quickly; while sites like Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube let you post photo and video evidence of your accomplishments. And don’t forget LinkedIn, which lets you “expand” your resume by listing your entire work history, demonstrating to recruiters and companies exactly how hard you’ve worked and the value you bring to their companies.
- Look for job postings. Conventional job boards are only one tool for finding job postings – and they are often slower than social media at releasing that information. Follow the companies you want to work for most on social media, so you can be among the first to know when a job posting goes up or when big news means that it’s a good time to send in your resume.
- Share what you know. Use social media sites to find groups and chats that cover topics in your field. Not only can you learn from these, but you can also share your knowledge, becoming a connection and a resource for others. Aim to read without posting for at least one week after joining, and then post or comment once for every three to five posts you read. You’ll contribute to the conversation without appearing to take over the board.
At Burnett’s Staffing, our experienced recruiters can help you advance in any career by finding an employer that values your abilities and offers a clear route to promotion. Contact us today to learn more about our job opportunities in Fort Worth and beyond.
