Word of Mouse

How to Use Social Media to Net Your Dream Job.

By

Dr. Brooklyn Storme, PhD

Smashwords Edition is Published by Dr Brooklyn Storme at Smashwords. How to Get a Job by Using Social Media: Sometimes, it’s Who You Know is protected by copyright of Brooklyn Storme, PhD.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

©2011 Brooklyn Storme

Chapter One

1. Welcome!

This ebook is a fun, creative way to find employment using something that most of use already. Yes, you guessed it! Social media. This ebook will explain how you can use your existing social media links and contacts to really boost the chances of getting the job that

you want!

This ebook will also show you how to prepare a knockout resume and killer cover letter, ready for distributing or uploading to your favourite websites. You don’t need to know much about computers to have a go, because I will guide you through each part of the process.

I will also show you how to succeed in job interviews and for those out there that fear their barriers to employment are insurmountable; I’ll show you exactly how you can overcome them. You will be well on your way to finding work in no time.

One of the best things about this ebook is that almost every chapter has links that you can click on for more help, information and resources. They will open in a completely new browser or window on your computer, so you won’t even have to close this book! Finally, tips and tricks are discussed throughout and you have the opportunity to send me your success stories when you get your job!

2. Why should I use social media to find work?

You might be asking yourself “why should I use social media to find a job?” Well, the answer is simple. Most of the time, people get work by using their contacts. That’s right! And with so many people using Facebook, Twitter, Bebo and similar sites to link up and reconnect with their friends, it can be a great place to find job opportunities.

Many of us know people from different walks of life. Let’s say your friend, Person A, is an Engineer. They have told you that they are looking for work. There are no jobs (well, suitable ones anyway), listed in the newspaper or other usual places. You log on to your Facebook or other social networking account and get a message from another friend, Peson B. As you are replying to the message, you realize that Person B is a Senior Manager in a company with a large engineering division. You call Person A and offer to introduce them to Person B. And voila!

The main advantage to social networking is that someone you know, can put in a good word for you with the right person. Deals and dollars can be and have been created on the basis of friendships.

Consider this. Imagine you are the Recruitment Manager for a large firm. You have narrowed down the candidates for a specific job, to two. They are equal in every way and you’re having hard time selecting one for the role. Now imagine you have the same two candidates, but you know one of them – or perhaps if they have been referred by a mutual acquaintance, you have knowledge of them. Which one are you more likely to hire?

3. What is social media?

Social media is a networking platform that is largely based online. This sounds like a mouthful, doesn’t it? Don’t panic. Chances are that you are probably using social media already and maybe you just didn’t realize it. Online sites, such as Facebook or MySpace are networking platforms. They are websites that have been designed to help each of us to re-connect with long-lost friends or relatives, family, work mates, school mates and other people who have been involved in our lives in one way or another.

Most social media sites are free to join and often only require an email address and some basic information in order for you to become registered. Registration allows you to build a profile on the website that tells others who you are. You can be in charge of how much or how little information you want to include in the profile but most experts would say that putting more information on your profile will enable you to connect with more people.

This can be especially true for women because they may have friends from high school or even primary school days that only know you by your maiden name. If you have a new married name, then those older friends won’t be able to find you as easily, if at all in some cases. So including details like former names on your profile can boost your chances of reuniting with older acquaintances.

Many social media sites offer a range of services, including a feature known as a wall. The wall is like a billboard where you can write a comment and everyone can see it. For more private notes and messages, you can usually use a Private Message facility on the website. The websites also offer space for you to upload photo’s and files and other documents – hey, why not upload your resume? Finally, the social media sites usually also offer a Chat service. This allows you to talk or text message online to another person (some job interviews have been conducted this way! Can you believe it?!).