Your online profile may be as important as your resume if you are looking for a new freelance job or to change careers.
Employers are more frequently using software, platforms, and social media networks to find candidates for employment, rather than going through resumes.
People who have neglected to create and update a social media presence – particularly on LinkedIn and on Oomple, could miss out on being considered for positions. Even extensive, targeted networking, which is the best way to find jobs, may not compensate for the lack of a complete and updated online profile.
83% of employers are currently using, or plan to use, social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for hiring. 58% of employers have hired through social media networks.
It’s not a surprise, employers are using marketplaces, social platforms, apps and networks more often to find additional information about you after your resume are received. So, you can benefit from having a prominent, visually appealing profile at this stage of the job search. People who have failed to build and maintain a strong social media presence, including older or less technically savvy workers, may receive fewer job inquiries. Don’t let that be the reason why you are not landing the job of your dreams. You should present your skills, loud and clear on whatever platform.
Here are 7 tips on how to most effectively use social media to help showcase your career.
1) Develop a compelling online brand for yourself
Your brand should define the areas in which you specialize, distinguish you from others, and persuasively convey the value you can bring and have brought to past employers.
2) Use your professional headline to showcase your capabilities
On Oomple, you can use create and use different persona’s depending on the position you have applied to and on LinkedIn, the professional headline you craft right below your name is an especially important part of your branding. It should consist of impactful keywords that accentuate the range of what you can do, rather than just state your current job title.
3) Position yourself as an expert in your field
Include searchable keywords that detail the depth of your experience and skills. Employers not only search for employees on social media sites, but also for solutions to specific problems, and your expertise may be what they are looking for.
4) Be on the lookout for any discrepancies between your resume and social media profiles
Dates of employment and other details on your social media profiles must exactly match those on your resume. Potential employers will pick up on any inconsistencies right away.
5) Keep your profiles up to date
Give meaningful status updates, such as links to your blog, to demonstrate your subject matter expertise. Include your job search in your status updates with your connections. On the Splice platform, you can update your availability of when your contract will be completed and when you will be looking for work.
6) Join groups within your niche
Join LinkedIn and Facebook groups that are comprised of people in your profession, industry, as well as targeted employers. Answering questions from group members and commenting on the latest trends is a way to stay current with your profession.
7) Create a personalized profile on Oomple
Join the Oomple platform to promote your work as a professional, and use this in your job search, in addition to having a separate, personal Facebook page.