This week we talked about why a blog is must for job hunters and how to make the most out of an online job search. Since we have been talking online job search this week, we wanted to create a guide that talks about different platforms and how you can utilize each of them.

Gone are the days when people used to knock on doors to pick up job application forms. More people have started utilizing the power of internet and harnessing the social aspect of it via popular platforms such as twitter, linkedin, facebook etc. Although these platforms are essential to building contacts and reaching out to prospective employers, there are other ways the web can help you land your dream job. In this post we will cover a few of the things that each and every job applicant should keep in mind and apply to make sure there job search online becomes worth the effort. The only thing we all need to keep in mind is that the potential and the results may not be visible right away, but in the long run it can make a lot of difference and help you stand out from others.

Blog

If you want to create a presence on the social web, a blog is a must. You don’t have to update it everyday but with timely and valuable information from time to time it can help build a following and help you ain the exposure you need.

1. Showcase your skills
2. Share your story and build a personal relationship
3. Communicate with you readers
4. Your readers are in fact employees and employers
5. If you are a financial planner, give them an example how you have been able to control your finances. People love personal stories. Build a liking in your niche and lleverage your skills by reaching out.
   45things.com

Twitter

Twitter is the hottest and one of the most useful platforms for job seekers. It’s ability to provide information in real time and connect with potential recruiters and employers can be a huge benefit. Make sure to use twitter’s search function by plugging in keywords that are specific to kind of jobs you are looking for.

1. Network and connect with others
2. Don’t worry about the quantity (no. Of followers) think about valuable contact
3. Interact and share your expertise
4. Use the search feature
   
5. Connect with employees of the company that you are looking to work for. Get the inside scoop
   Twitter Search

LinkedIn

LinkedIn may not be as popular as Facebook or Twitter when it comes to social media platforms, but it certainly is one that you can’t miss out on. LinkedIn houses millions of employees and employers as it is a place for professional networking. Get on it and reach out to others.

1. Connect with employers and recruiters
2. Participate in groups and share your knowledge
3. Give and get recommendations
4. Create a compelling and complete profile. Think of it as your online resume.
5. Create a group for people in your field and be acticve
   Visual Guide To LinkedIn For Job Hunters

Facebook

Mostly used by friends and family to connect with each other, the power of Facebook cannot be ignored. With millions of users actively using this platform to connect with each other, it’s a must to be on the Facebook scene. While connecting with friends and families you might come across their contacts who might be looking to hire someone and you might just fit the bill.

1. Gain exposure on a platform everyone seems to be using
   
2. Be apart of Facebook groups
   
3. Use it to create an existence and visibility on one of the hottest platforms
4. Be social and interact with others.
5. Utilize facebook applications that might help you connect with others.Facebook

Digg, Reddit,etc.

These sites can’t help you land a job directly as there is not a huge social aspect to them. These sites are usually used for content promotion but that is where it can be useful. Share your expertise via your blog and get yourself on these sites. Valuable content gets seen and rewarded by viewers and within those thousands of viewers there might be someone who is willing to give you a try. It doesn’t hurt to try. Just be careful with these sites. Spamming isn’t the solution. Solution is to create compelling content with active participation.

1. Use to promote content that appeals based on your niche
2. Make sure to study each platform before you thin of using it
3. If you are into SEO, digg isn’t ideal but Sphinn is
4. These sites have a massive number of users and your content on frontpage might bring you interest from prospective employers
5. Participate and be activedigg

Instant Messaging

Instant messaging is the most personal means of communicating on the web. If you can get an employer or recruiter to get in touch with you via IM, you have been working your social media magic pretty good when it comes to job search.

1. Make sure your screen name is appropriate
2. Avoid using internet slang and be as professional as you can be
3. Give the person on the other end some time to reply. Just because it’s instant messaging doesn’t mean everyone has time to reply instantly
4. Add your IM information to your other social profiles
5. Having your IM information allows employers/recruiters to get in touch with you instantly when both parties are online. Much better than send and wait approach via email
   skype

Firefox

Although Firefox is just a browser, it’s a browser with heap of options to make your life easier, both personal and professional. Utilize Firefox’s options and add ons to cut the time you search jobs online into half.

1. Utilize the add ons.
2. Search for ways the browser can help cut job search time
3. Download add ons that might be helpful such as linkedin connections, twitter job search,etc.
   
   Firefox Add-Ons : search for add ons with keywords “job,” “job search,” etc.

Blog Subscription

There are thousands of blogs on the web and there are some very good information floating around on the web to help job seekers. Subscribe to these blogs and stay current with news and tips.

1. Make use of the RSS option most blogs and sites have
2. Subscribe and stay current with the latest on your niche or field of expertise
3. Don’t just read, participate and add values to that particular blog’s community
4. Create a presence and be active to utilize someone else’s blog to gain exposure
5. Follow sites that provide job tips but also follow sites that offer insight into your field of expertise.Subscribe to applicant.com

Job Search Sites

Make sure you scour the thousands of job sites that are on the internet. Try and pick ones that post job listings that fit your skill level and check back each every day. CareerBuilder, Monster, TwitterJobSearch, etc. can be very useful when it comes to finding jobs from the comfort of your home.

1. Blogs are essential for job tips and advice but make sure to utilize job search sites.
2. Utilize google but don’t forget twitter and other search options such as twitter’s search function
3. Create accounts on job search sites and subscribe to the feeds if they provide one
4. Keep looking each and every day
5. Use any external features such as Firefox add-ons, Facebook application, etc. to help you utilize these sites even more
   60+ Sites To Put Your Job Search at Ease

Google

I am sure most of you use google to help you find things on the web. However, google can be a powerful job search tool and not just a search engine.

1. Sign up for google alerts for new job openings or to see what is current on your field
2. Use google gadgets
3. Utilize google docs to create documents and collaborate
4. Use google base which is equivalent to Craigslist but not as good
5. Use proper keywords and be a smart searcher while using google search
   Google Alerts

Craigslist

Who hasn’t heard or used Craigslist? Craigslist has become the biggest online classified site and with it comes a wide range of job listings.

1. Search for jobs in your area by choosing the state and city you live in
2. Find out who is hiring before heading out to drop applications
3. Plan your route by watching job postings on Craigslist that relates to your field and is closer to your location
   Craigslist Job Board effectiveness

Online presence has become a must and it is beneficial to have accounts on several social platforms. However, one needs to keep in mind that your trail on the social web is everywhere so be careful how you utilize these platforms. The other thing about using social media platforms is the amount of time it requires to maintain and participate. My suggestion would be to spend a few minutes on each of them every day and pick a few that seem to help the most and be active. The key is to have a presence so that when employers are looking for their ideal candidate you are visible.

Related Posts

1. The Ultimate Guide To Using Facebook as a Job Search Tool
2. Online Job Search and How To Make The Most Out Of It
3. The “Don’t Do It” Guide To Using LinkedIn
4. A Visual Guide To LinkedIn For Job Hunters
5. Social Media and Job Search : Get Your Priorities Straight