This is a high level, non-technical presentation targeted at those who need/want to be convinced that social networking and social media is a necessary component of the job search process. It includes links to a large number of resources that job seekers - including C-level executives - can use to establish and leverage their social media presence.

1. Social Networking
and the Job Search
© April 2010
David Swinney, Social Media Specialist

2. Who is David Swinney?
 30-year veteran of Texas Instruments
 15 years in Information Technology
◦ Web design and content management
◦ Software provisioning and project management
◦ Vendor relationship management
◦ Social media
 Skills and Interests
◦ Social networking / social media
◦ Web technologies
◦ Windows 7, Office 2007, and Office 2010

3. What is Social Networking?
―Social networking is the practice of
expanding the number of one's business
and/or social contacts by making
connections through individuals.‖
Source: Whatis.com

4. Social Networking Architecture
 Profile – tell the world about yourself
 Friends / Connections – trusted members
of network
 Groups – members with common interests
 Discussions – interaction between group
members
 Blogs – keep members informed as to
activities
 Widgets – customize your network to reflect
your personality

6. Why Social Networking must be
part of your job search strategy

7. Who is using Social Networking to
Find Jobs?
http://www.pewinternet.org/Infographics/Generational-differences-in-online-activities.aspx

8. Social Networks Provide Visibility
 Unlimited access to
professionals within
your targeted
audience
 Niche ―groups‖
make finding your
audience that much
easier
◦ LinkedIn
◦ Meetup
◦ Ning
◦ YouTube

9. Social Networks Provide
Transparency
 One of two key elements
to success in social
networking
 Being open about your goals
allows you to connect with
others on common ground
 First step in the process of
―Know, Like, Trust.‖

10. Social Networks Help You
―Give to Get‖
 Second key to success
in social networking
 Help others to get them
to help you and discover
who can help you
 Start by simply asking
―How can I help you?‖
 Ask for a third-party
endorsement or
recommendation

11. Social Networks Allow Nobodies to
Become Somebodies
 You don’t know who can help you.
 You don’t know who knows someone else
who may help you.
 An avid networker you have never met or
heard of is a better resource than a ―celebrity.‖

12. Social Networks Are Being Used by
Corporations and Professionals
 Corporations are connecting with
prospects, customers, vendors, and other
stakeholders
 Business professionals are doing the same
 It makes sense to take your job search
there as well

13. Social Networks Are Revolutionizing
World of Recruiting
 Better recruits
 Better ROI
 Cheaper
 Faster

14. Social Networks Are Being Used by
Recruiters and Hiring Managers
 72% of recruiters
plan to spend more
time recruiting via
social media this
year
 Half expect to spend
less time on job
boards
 66% Have
successfully hired a
candidate through an
online social
network
 Only 24% of
candidates disclose
social networking
presence
Source: Jobvite.com survey of 440 HR professionals

15. Recruiters are Saying …
 ―Those who embrace and exploit these newer
technologies will gain a significant advantage over their
colleagues who are restricting themselves to established
job search methods‖
 Joel Cheesman, recruitment issues blogger @ cheezehead.com
 Gaining a significant web presence is crucial in a job
search
◦ ―Some recruiters who won’t call you unless you have a presence
and significant Google visibility.‖
 Martin Buckland, recruiter
 ―Make sure you have your work history, a little bit
about yourself, and ways you can be reached (create
a new Gmail or hotmail or whatever if you want to keep
your personal one private)‖
 Marin K. Burns, Recruiting Manager, Gardner Resources

16. Executives Too?
 Number of online job postings has declined.
 Large numbers of recruiters maintain a presence
on Linkedin.
 Recruiters search online for candidates instead of
advertising on job boards.
 Executive recruiters search the Internet for
information on executive candidates.
 Executives seeking employment CANNOT
AFFORD to not participate in social
networks.

17. How do you find a job via Social
Networking?
Start by adopting a ―FIA‖ approach:
◦ Find. Identify people and/or companies for whom
you would like to work.
◦ Interact. Connect with those people via social
networks and through private contact. Demonstrate
your knowledge and be helpful to them.
◦ Ask. Ask (directly or indirectly) if those people can
help you get a job, or if they can put you in contact
with someone who can.

18. Social Networking tools for the
job search

19. Google Reader
 Keep up to date with industry
trends and news.
 Subscribe to job listings by
keyword and position.
 Clean up your e-mail inbox.

20. Google Reader

21. How to Use Google Reader
 Monitoring Your Brand With
Google Reader
◦ http://www.slideshare.net/davidswinney/monitoring
-your-personal-brand-using-google-reader

22. Google Alerts
 Subscribe to job search topics
or targeted companies by
keyword.
 Choose between delivery via e-
mail or review in Google
Reader.

23. Google Alerts

24. The Big 3 Social Networks

25. Big 3 Usage Comparison

26. LinkedIn is an online network of more than 24 million experienced
professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries.
Compete.com Monthly Normalized Metrics (February 2010)
http://www.linkedin.com/

27. LinkedIn
 Your profile is more than your online resume
 Build a meaningful, professional network
 Establish yourself as an authority
 Find new opportunities

28. Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service. In
countries all around the world, people follow the sources most relevant
to them and access information via Twitter as it happens—from breaking
world news to updates from friends.
Compete.com Monthly Normalized Metrics (February 2010)
http://www.twitter.com/

29. Twitter
 Create a targeted, professional profile
 Build a meaningful network
 Establish yourself as an authority by adding
value
 Find new opportunities

30. How companies are using Twitter to
find candidates
 Many big companies now list job openings on
Twitter.
 Cheaper and less-crowded alternative to job
boards.
 Allows them to
◦ target social media-savvy job hunters, and
◦ convey an innovative image.

31. How candidates are using Twitter to
find jobs
 Follow feeds that aggregate jobs from multiple
companies.
 Use Twitter search to research prospective
employers.
 Connect with individuals who work at targeted
companies.
 Chance to interact directly with companies'
recruiters.
 Can be more convenient than job boards.

32.  Partnership announced in November 2009
 When you set your status on LinkedIn you can now
tweet it as well
◦ amplifies it to your followers
◦ amplifies it to real-time search services like Twitter
Search, Google, and Bing
 When you tweet, you can send that message to your
LinkedIn connections as well from any Twitter service
or tool
◦ Add #in or #li hashtag to tweets to update LinkedIn
status
http://blog.linkedin.com/2009/11/09/allen-blue-twitter-and-linkedin-go-together-like-peanut-butter-and-
chocolate/

33. How to Use Twitter
 Twitter and the Job Search
◦ http://www.slideshare.net/davidswinney/twitter-
and-the-job-search

34. Facebook is a social utility that helps people communicate more
efficiently with their friends, family and coworkers.
Compete.com Monthly Normalized Metrics (February 2010)
http://www.facebook.com/

35. Facebook
 Make a decision whether to keep Facebook
social or expand your use.
 If you decide to use Facebook for professional
networking,
◦ take a close look at your Profile and
◦ decide what you want business contacts or
prospective employers to see - and what you
don't.
 Create a simple profile (or clean up with your
existing one) with minimal graphics and
widgets.

36. Facebook
 Limit the photos you post.
 Post content relevant to your job search or
career.
 Use Facebook email to build relationships with
your Friends.
 Choose your Friends wisely.

37. How it can work for people who know
how to use Social Networking Sites
Noticed an old friend got a new job. Commented on his status. Led to lunch. He suggests a
job opportunity not available on job boards.
218 connections
A connection of a connection notices my profile (online bio), sent me a message & wants to
collaborate on business, coffee meeting is next week.
Headhunter found my profile, called me for a job not posted on a board
I answered a question, person who asked it liked my answer and wants to stay connected based
on subject matter expertise
Friends with my university pals. One of them needs freelance help on a large quote
to the government. Asked for my resume.
124 friends Staying connected with ex-IBMers. One of which passed a contract to me, and
another passed this speaking opportunity.
Nothing yet – but reconnected with people I worked with but didn’t have a huge
235 followers relationship with.
Meeting people all over the world. Global connections.
And more…

38. There is no magic bullet
 It is important to note that these are tools not
solutions.
 Not a replacement for traditional techniques,
but they do extend and amplify them.
 Make the process more efficient and easier to
manage.

39. Mistakes to avoid in the social
networking job search

40. Ramifications of Social Networking in
the job search
 Good news
◦ Potential employers can review your digital
footprint and use it to determine whether you are
a viable candidate for the job
 Bad news
◦ Potential employers can review your digital
footprint and use it to determine whether you are
a viable candidate for the job

41. Reasons why companies hire potential
candidates
 Profile provided a good feel for the candidate’s personality
and fit
 Profile supported candidate’s professional qualifications
 Candidate was creative
 Candidate showed solid communication skills
 Candidate was well-rounded
 Other people posted good references about the candidate
 Candidate received awards and accolades
Source: CareerBuilder.com survey of 2600 employers; 45% of which research candidates on social
networking sites

42. Reasons why companies do not hire
potential candidates
 Candidate posted provocative or inappropriate
photographs or information
 Candidate posted content about them drinking or using
drugs
 Candidate bad-mouthed their previous employer, co-
workers or clients
 Candidate showed poor communication skills
 Candidate made discriminatory comments
 Candidate lied about qualifications
 Candidate shared confidential information from previous
employer
Source: CareerBuilder.com survey of 2600 employers; 45% of which research candidates on social
networking sites

43. Do’s and Don’ts In Social Networking
Job Search
 Do Google yourself.
 Do be professional.
 Do be authentic.
 Do create profiles that include keywords which
make it easy to be found.
 Do connect your various social presences with
each other (e.g., links, widgets, etc.)
 Do introduce your friends and connections to
each other.

44. Do’s and Don'ts In Social Networking
Job Search
 Don’t use industry jargon and acronyms with
those not in the industry.
 Don’t forget that networking socially is as
important as social networking.

45. Resources for Executives
 Best of C-Level Executive Job Search Strategies
◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/top-10-best-of-c-level-executive-
job-search-strategies/
 Best of Personal Branding Strategies, Lessons, and News
◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/10-best-of-personal-branding-
strategies-lessons-and-news/
 Best of Online Brand Identity and Social Media
◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/15-best-of-online-brand-identity-
and-social-media/
 Best of Executive Job Interviewing
◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/best-of-executive-job-interviewing/
 Best of Executive Resume Branding Tactics and Advice
◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/12-best-of-executive-resume-
branding-tactics-and-advice/

46. Resources for Executives
 Best of LinkedIn Tips and Resources
◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/my-best-of-linkedin-tips-
and-resources/
 Best of Twitter for C-level Personal Branding and
Executive Job Search
◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/best-of-twitter-for-
personal-branding-and-executive-job-search/
 Best of Blogging for Brand Visibility and Credibility
◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/best-of-blogging-tips-and-
strategies/
 Best FREE E-Books on Personal Branding, Job
Search, Social Media, Career Marketing
◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/best-free-e-books-on-
personal-branding-job-search-social-media-career-marketing/

47. Resources for Executives
 Is Executive Career Reinvention in Your Future?
◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/is-executive-career-
reinvention-in-your-future/
 16 Mistakes That Will Sabotage Your Executive Job
Search
◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/16-mistakes-that-will-
sabotage-your-executive-job-search/
 Does Your Social Media Footprint Scream "Hire
Me"?
◦ http://executiveresumebranding.com/does-your-social-media-
footprint-scream-hire-me/
 Stalled Executive Job Search? Get Busy on Twitter
and LinkedIn
◦ http://executivecareerbrand.com/stalled-executive-job-search-
get-busy-on-linkedin-and-twitter/

49. Thank You
David Swinney
Social Media Specialist
david.swinney@gmail.com
http://davidswinney.com
http://twitter.com/davidswinney
http://linkedin.com/in/davidswinney
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