Maybe Social Media Isn’t a Waste of Time for Your Career

By Tatiana Serna, Campus Representative, University of Rhode Island

Online job search expert Susan P. Joyce writes:

“Social media terms like “Facebook” and “Twitter” are appearing in more and more job descriptions every month. Since its founding in 2004, use of the term “Facebook” in job descriptions has grown an amazing 550,000% (that’s not a typo, the number really is five hundred fifty thousand percent) through July, 2010. And it was the fastest growing in the 12-month period which ended in July, 2010.

Employers add social media terms to job descriptions because social media is growing in importance, and they need employees with social media skills. So, the value of your social media skills is increasing.”

“The Do’s:

· If you have social media skills, you need to add those keywords (as appropriate for you) to your resume and other online profiles.

· Be sure you have a good, 100% complete LinkedIn Profile, and throw in a Google Profile, too. [See Job-Hunt's Social Media & Job Search section for more information.]

· If you don’t already, separate public from private (and don’t trust Facebook to guard your private side), or just act like a grown-up.

· If you’re going to rant about politics, sex, religion, or something else controversial, don’t do it with a social media account that is in your real name. Or don’t do it at all.

· Do a mature/employment-ready version of yourself in social media that is associated with your real name or recognizably you.

· Learn as much as you reasonably can about how companies are using social media for your field

· Who are the people and companies on the “leading edge”?

· Who has done something remarkably good (or bad)? Pay attention.

· Demonstrate your knowledge and skills

· Focus on a few venues (3 at most) so you can show consistent, high-quality participation.

· Participate and contribute, if possible, in a meaningful (and public) way in your field.”

I thought about deleting my Facebook because of all the privacy issues it possesses. But lately I have heard about how social media is becoming the new tool in helping enhance your resume. It is very important to keep a professional online image, now a days employers are looking at our online profiles and these are influencing whether or not we get the job. Social media is becoming a new way to market yourself to employers, and don’t forget the importance of networking! Make sure to professionalize your online image before putting any social media skills on your resume, and try to implement Susan Joyce’s tips. Who knows maybe Facebook and Twitter will help you land the job.