Yeah, I know it's the trend, the wave of the future. You're told it's the only way to REALLY market yourself and land that dream job in a tight jobs market. But I'm here to tell you STOP. DON'T DO IT.
Here's why:
Here's why:
1. I'm a Social Media expert and I'm here to help you.
Sound familiar. Hi, I'm "Rick", a social media expert with over 10 million followers, write 5 blogs, been published in "Creative Windsurfing Magazine" and have recently had my blog appear on "Linda's" website, "Recruiting in the 18th Century" and author of "How to have your resume seen by 20 million people in 12 middle east countries".
Altruism and chivalry are not dead and good Samaritans are plentiful, but at the same time, capitalism is not dead either, nor is mass marketing, get rich quick schemes, charlatans (more colorfully called 'snake oil salesmen'); and that old standby, multi level marketers.
There is NOT a credible, centralized organization that certifies what people 'claim' on social media. Oh, yes there can be legal consequences (some rather severe) for fraud and misrepresentations; but no one place you can 'check' before hand.
Are there credible, talented and honest professionals out there on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc....? Sure. Can they find you a job? Maybe and maybe not. Will they do it for free? In most cases the answer is 'No'. Are they also trying to earn a living and feed their families? Yes.
Recruiters, who are currently employed by major companies who are actively recruiting, are generally NOT on Social Media sites offering to help you. They are using Social Media as a source to find and attract qualified talent (if they're smart). Are they 'listening' to you on Social Media? Probably not.
2. "Hi, my name is "Gail". I have 50 years experience in general office work. Seeking a new opportunity. Looking to remain close to family. Email me at "Ineedajobplease@youremail.com".
3. "If you're not confused, you're not paying attention." Tom Peters
In high school and college we learned about reading, writing and arithmetic. And some of us even paid attention. But we never learned how to 'tweet' or build a LinkedIn profile or set up a page in FaceBook. We heard that everything we write on Twitter or FaceBook will be read by anyone in the world (wrong), that it doesn't cost anything to set up an account in FaceBook, Twitter or LinkedIn (also wrong). Did you ever hear about time?
Yeah, I know you're unemployed and now have hours available and you'll finally get to try out that new computer you got the kids for the holidays. If you've been unemployed for more than a week, you have come to the stark realization that you seem to have even less time than you had before. Besides, if you don't get some monies coming in soon being unemployed will be the least of your problems. So guess what? Time IS your most valuable possession.
Couple of quick facts. 1. Yes, your posts on Twitter could potentially be read by anyone in the world. IF they go looking for them through a search. If not, only people who follow you will see your posts; and if they're not hiring (probably friends) they're not going to respond. (Except for "Rick" see #1). 2. Although it does not cost any money to set up a Twitter or FaceBook account, it does cost a large investment of time to learn what you are doing (even if you consider yourself computer savvy). Are there ways around this? Sure. And you'll get lots of offers (again see #1). You will also spend countless hours on extraneous horse hocky (sorry) weeding through the commercials and socializing. Could your time be spent more productively searching for your next job? You bet.
4. "My friends heard getting a LinkedIn account is a great way to get a job."
Sure can be, if anyone ever see's it 1) that's hiring and 2) that hiring someone with your skills. LinkedIn is a community, just like any professional type association. Recruiters look for people who are active in their community. They also will verify the information you give in your profile to your resume. As with Twitter and FaceBook, LinkedIn takes time to learn, not to mention it also has commercials and socializing (see #3) and of course, "Rick" also has an account there (#1).
Ok. I included this topic because I am positive that not everyone has gotten the message (trust me, I see it every day online). If you wouldn't want to put your family pictures or that nasty exchange you had with your "ex" on FaceBook in your resume or cover letter, why, for sanity's sake, would you use your personal Twitter and FaceBook accounts for a job search? I said that not everyone in the world will read what you post unless they follow you or are a fan, but it can easily be found through an online search. And guess what? More and more recruiters and companies are including searches as part of the screening process.
Does that mean you shouldn't have a personal FaceBook page and Twitter account? Not at all. Go for it. Just don't use it for your job search (or other professional activities).
This is Part I of a two part series. In part II I will show you, in plain simple terms, 1) How to do a job search the old fashioned way, and 2) How to use Social Media in your search in ways which will cost you very little time, are free or have little cost; and if you can use email, will be easy to do.
(Before you start connecting dots.....No, I'm not "Rick", I do have a consulting business (HR and Business Management) and do have website, I am an experienced recruiter, I haven't written any books for you to buy, and I don't make a cent whether you take my advise or leave it).
Have A Nice Day!
Copyright 2010 Joel A White
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