Networking using Social Media, Emails and Phone Calls


According to a recent NACE Student Survey, nearly 92 percent of college seniors have a social networking profile, but less than one-third have used social networks in their job searches. Many employers now have a social media presence, and according to a 2009 study by CareerBuilder.com, 45 percent of employers use social networks to screen job candidates.

Remember, as important as social media is, online methods should supplement, not replace, in-person job-search techniques.

The 10 Commandments of Social Media Job Seeking

  • Develop a professional presence. What do people find when they Google you? Take down the party pictures and create a full, professional profile with references. 
  • Fill your profiles with keywords. All of your social media profiles should include key words and phrases that a recruiter might type into a search engine to find a person like you. Find relevant words in job listings that appeal to you and online profiles of people who have the positions you want.
  • Use LinkedIn to find your path. Not sure yet what career is right for you? Browse through the LinkedIn profiles of other people to gather ideas about companies, job titles, or professions that might be a good fit for you.
  • Get personal. When looking for a job, your network can and should include friends, family, classmates, professors, and other close contacts that can provide you with referrals to contacts in their networks. The bigger and more authentically your network grows, the more access to opportunities you’ll have.
  • Be a joiner. Join online communities such as your university’s alumni group, Facebook fan page of a nonprofit you support, or industry association listserv. Once a member, you can comment on discussions, meet people who share common interests, and find exclusive job listings.
  • Tweet. Twitter is a great tool for research and to connect with industry experts and potential employers. Even if you set up a Twitter profile to “listen†more than you tweet, you’ll get enormous value out of the information you’ll discover. Plus, more organizations are now tweeting out their job postings.
  • Blog. You can blog (in writing or video) about your career interests, travel, sports, or anything else. Blogging can demonstrate your knowledge and passion to potential employers. If you don't desire your own blog, comment on the posts of bloggers you admire. You might just catch the eye of a reader who is hiring.
  • Share. One of the best ways to maintain a strong professional network is to support other people by sharing helpful information like articles, blog posts, and YouTube videos. A small, helpful gesture like forwarding a link is a great form of networking – and one that will likely be returned.
  • Keep people up-to-date. Status updates are another smart form of networking. Update LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter with information about events you’re attending, books you’re reading, or other career news.
  • Use social media to ace interviews. Before a job interview, study the LinkedIn profiles, Twitter feeds, and blogs of the people and organizations you’ll be meeting. The more preparation you do, the more confident you’ll feel – and the more likely you’ll be able to make a great impression!

    • Source: Lindsey Pollak, Global Campus Spokesperson for LindedIn.

    Social Media Job Search

    - Blog
    - Facebook
    - LinkedIn
    - Twitter
    - You Tube

    Emails and Phone Calls

    Emails and phone calls are common ways to connect with potential contacts.

    - Always proofread emails for spelling and grammar errors.

    - When sending email, use a subject line with concise and informative language and a signature that includes your full name and appropriate contact information.

    - Avoid slang, long sentences, and consider using your kent.edu email address to maintain a high level of professionalism.



     

    Sample Email for Networking

    Dear Ms. Jones,

    I am a junior at Kent State University majoring in psychology and was given your name by Professor Smith as someone who could provide me with some career guidance. I have been considering a career in research and am intrigued by your study results. I have read many of your articles in Psychology Today and find your field of research fascinating. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you to learn more about how you entered the field of research as well as gain some insight into the profession. Additionally, I am considering an internship this summer and would be grateful for any advice and/or leads that you could provide.

    I am hopeful that you might have a half an hour to speak with me either in person or on the phone about your career and background. I will call you within the next three days to arrange a meeting or a time for a phone conversation.

    Thank you in advance for your help.

    Sincerely-
    Kent Student

    Sample Phone Script for Networking

    "Hi Mr. Johnson.

    My name is Kent Student and I am a senior at Kent State University majoring in Marketing.

    I picked up your business card at your table at the Fall Job & Internship Fair and am interested in learning more about your industry.

    I am considering an internship and career in marketing for a non-profit organization and I noticed that your organization has had a great deal of success in public relations over the past five years.

    Would you be available to meet with me so I can learn more about how you found your position and your opinions about the future of non-profit organizations?

    I'd be happy to come to your office to meet, or to speak on the phone if that is more convenient.

    Is there a time in the next two weeks that works for you?"

    tag line