I want to provide some social networking pointers:
1. Social Networking should be a Supplement to In-Person Networking
Even though we live in a digital age, social networking should not replace in-person networking. It’s a great idea to “friend” people online that you already network with in person. This is a good way to expand your network.
2. Use it or . . .
Creating any social media account and then not actually utilizing it is a complete waste of time, and it can lower a prospective network contact’s opinion of you and your abilities.
3. Moderation
Social networking should not be a full-time job. Spending 30 minute increments a few times a week should be sufficient to keep networking efforts up to date. Trying to connect with everyone on everything, or read and respond to every post, is exhausting. And it doesn’t typically improve your chances of making the right connections.
4. Strategy
Trying to create and maintain an account on every social media site doesn’t seem feasible for most of us (especially if you’re following tips two and three). That means it’s a good idea to pick and choose which sites you will utilize and why. While all social media sites have positives and negatives, the big three when it comes to job searching are: LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook (in that order). Utilize these tools as part of an effective job search.
5. Perspective
When posting anything online, please keep an employer’s perspective in mind. As part of our young adult curriculum, we ask participants to review their social media presence through the eyes of an employer. Remember, potential employers judge not just what you post but also the company you keep online!