Jobs and Social Media--From the Other Side of the Desk

Jobs and Social Media--From the Other Side of the DeskJobs and Social MediaFrom the Other Side of the DeskWhen youre searching for a job, its easy to develop tunnel vision. In the flurry of jobseekers Twitter accounts, RSS feeds, and email alerts, it can be useful to take a step back and remember that on the other side of all your efforts are people puzzling over how to reach the best possible recruits. Sometimes, their recruitment strategies arent so different from the ones youre using to find a great position.Looking at the search from the other side of the desk (or the screen) may help you get a better feel for the companies youre hoping to join- including their strengths, cultures, and challenges. And understanding the mindset of employers can help you communicate your value as a potential employee and problem-solver.Social Media Recruiting Brave New World In a recent study we conducted of 500 professional service firms, we found that 55% of companies use the Internet to recruit new employees.Social media recruiting is an easy, inexpensive, and increasingly common way for companies and job seekers to connect- and its becoming more and more effective. In fact, according to a Jobvite 2012 survey, 1 in 6 job seekers say they found their current job through social media. Maintaining a professional social media presence shows employers that you understand contemporary communication channels, and puts you in a space where more and more companies are turning for recruits.But what about those companies that dont use the Internet to recruit- or at least not yet? Well, our study found that 66% of firms plan to increase their ansprechbar marketing budgets this year. Those budgets include recruitment companies recognize that the future is online, and theyre moving toward it. Job seekers do well to stay ahead of the curve.And heres the beauty of professional networking with social media these days, you can send a signal that reaches beyond the digital domain. By using p latforms like LinkedIn to extend your professional network, you can communicate your expertise (and availability) to a wide range of professional contacts. Even if a contacts company isnt hiring, they may know someone a former colleague, say who is. That contact of a contact might not have been actively recruiting online, but that doesnt mean you cant reach them with online tools.Company Content A Glimpse InsideThese days, many savvy companies regularly produce content that educates their audience and helps both buyers and potential recruits understand the company- who they are, what they know, and what they do. Think company blogs, videos, and ebooks - often filled with valuable industry-related educational content. This is called content marketing, and companies social media recruiting frequently coincide with their content marketing efforts.As a jobseeker, you want to understand potential employers as well as you can. So make use of their content. What exactly does Company A do ? What sort of clients do they serve? Firms websites and social media feeds may provide valuable insight. Social media can offer subtle glimpses into the working culture of a firm. If you see occasional photos from corporate events and parties, these might tell you something about day to day life at the company. nachrichtensendung bulletins- awards won by the company, major contracts landed, the development of an exciting new product- may help you understand the companys focus and direction.Thinking Like a MarketerCompanies are using content marketing to communicate a lot of things, including their unique identity and their place in their particular industry. But one of the most important things theyre trying to do is demonstrate their expertise. Keep these goals in mind as youre marketing yourself. How can you demonstrate your unique expertise and show how it aligns with a companys needs?Social media is a fantastic opportunity to engage in industry conversations. Platforms like Twi tter and LinkedIn Groups give you the opportunity to communicate directly with professionals in your field. If you take the time to ask thoughtful questions and offer informed opinions to your social media channels on a regular fundament, you will start to appear on the radar for your industry. Then, when you do post a job advertisement, you will already have made a professional connection- and this could be the basis for an ongoing relationship.Lee W. Frederiksen, Ph.D., is Managing Partner at Hinge, a marketing firm that specializes in branding and marketing for professional services. Hinge is a leader in rebranding firms to help them grow faster and maximize value. Lee can be reached at LFrederiksenhingemarketing.com or 703-391-8870. Read More Weird Interview Questions That Google, Dell, and Amazon Ask Vaults 2014 Consulting Rankings are Here Is Business Outlook Improving?