4 Ways to Job Search Using Social Media

4 Ways to Job Search Using Social Media4 Ways to Job Search Using Social Media4Business Insider reports that Americans spend more time on social media than any other major Internet activity, including email. With so much of our time devoted to liking, commenting, retweeting, and sharing, it makes sense to utilize these powerful tools in our job search. Lets discuss different ways to job search using social media.If youre unsure about how social media can be used in your job search, check out these statistics according to Jobvites 2014 Job Seeker nationalstaat survey, 76 percent of social job seekers found their current position through Facebook. The same survey reports that 83 percent of recruiters are using Facebook and 94 percent are using LinkedIn to find candidates. Whether you have active social media profiles, or you have none at all, the current job search market demands its use.Embrace these four ways to job search using social media1. NetworkNo longer does networking only ha ve to happen within your community. Social media provides a way to reach individuals in your career field, no matter where they are located. Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter can be great ways to interact with others professionally- you never know where those connections may lead. Be sure to connect with your friends as well, and keep them updated on your job search status. Perhaps the friend you went to college with can connect you to an HR director at a potential new company.2. Research and discover new jobsSearching for jobs on social media can lead to diamonds in the rough, particularly if youre searching for a freelance and/or remote job. Expand your horizons from the typical job board, and use Twitter to search hashtags to uncover jobs. Searching something as simple as freelancewriting can uncover jobs with companies you never even knew existed. LinkedIn is also a common place for companies to post their job openings. Utilize the same keywords to find new jobs and new companies. 3. Cultivate your professional imageLike the above-mentioned study reported, recruiters are in social spaces searching for new talent. Make sure your profiles are findable and professional. Clear out those old college feier photos, review what pages and people you like or follow, and craft your about me sections. In other words, set up your social media accounts to reflect the best of your personal brand.4. Increase your professional knowledgeInstead of using social media to waste away your time, use it to grow in your profession. What are the latest topics of interest in your industry? Are there any new programs being used? What is the latest lingo? Look at others profiles in your industry, read their blog posts, join industry-specific LinkedIn groups, follow thought-leaders on Twitter, etc. These things will keep you at the forefront of your industry.Readers, how else do you job search using social media? Share with us below