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What comes to mind when you hear the words "social networking?" Facebook? MySpace? Maybe the new Facebook movie?
You're Hired!
"Yes, Facebook is a social network, but social networking is more than just Facebook," Career Services Director Amy Cavanaugh said. "There is a difference between using it socially and using it professionally."
Beyond Facebook, there are a number of social networking web sites that can be helpful for students seeking jobs and internships. LinkedIn has proven to be an effective way for students to make connections and land jobs, according to Cavanaugh.
"It can't hurt students to get on LinkedIn now," Cavanaugh said."Make online connections now, and they can turn into face-to-face connections later."
Not only is LinkedIn a good tool for making connections, it can also be used to find jobs that are otherwise unheard of.
"Eighty percent of jobs are not advertised," Career Services Assistant Director , Employer Relations and Internship Coordinator Max Kalchthaler said. "LinkedIn can help you see what other people have done with their degrees, or see what people with a given job have done to get there." LinkedIn essentially creates an online resumé that is available for recruiters to view, so connections on LinkedIn will differ from your Facebook friendships, says Kalchthaler.
"These connections should be very intentional," Kalchthaler said. "These are people you know professionally, such as co-workers or professors."
Luckily for students here on The Bluff, UP alumni are a famously close-knit group.
"UP has an extremely strong alumni presence," Kalchthaler said. "It is important to know that the fact that you're a Pilot now is just as important as the degree you earn while you're here.
1. UP Alumni online network
UP grads have yet another social networking resource available to them. With the UP Alumni Online Network, UP alums can connect with other graduates and find job postings. Because of the strong UP community, connections with other alumni can be invaluable tools for finding employment after graduation.
2. Tweeting your way into a job
Do you tweet? Twitter can be another great tool to get up-to-date reports on job openings, according to Sherice Jacob, web designer for iElectrify.
Since Twitter feeds are constantly being updated, job hunters can find the most recent postings without having to search though online job boards, which could be out of date. College students can find internships and make connections that may help them land jobs after graduation. Follow @TwitterU for updates on internships with Twitter itself.
Websites such as TwitJobSearch and TwitterJobFinder can be useful for those on the hunt for employment. By entering a keyword search on TwitJobSearch.com, job hunters can view the most recent tweets that pertain to their desired job. Searches can be based on a job description or on a desired location.
Like LinkedIn, Twitter can act as an online résumé, says Jacobs. Employers can view prospective employees' accounts, which can either be positive or negative – so tweet with caution!
3. Blogging for Jobs
Try using an online blog to show potential employers your résumé. Eric Duncan, a writer for eHow.com, recommends using wordpress.com, a free blogging site, to show recruiters and potential employers your electronic résumé.
Keep in mind…
- Your online résumé should look professional. Use a simple theme and give your blog an address similar to your name.
- Make sure employers will be able to contact you. Be sure to include your e-mail or phone number in a visible place on your blog.
- Place links to other sites that may have relevant samples of your work that would be of interest to potential employers.
MySpace
