The traditional job search methods of attending face-to-face networking events, inviting people to get a cup of coffee, dinner, an after-work cocktail and schmoozing at the office have been rendered irrelevant due to the pandemic.
If you’re actively searching for a new job, you need to engage in an authentic branding and marketing campaign on social media. The key is to showcase your skills, ability, knowledge, achievements and brilliance. You also need to broadcast what you are looking to do next, so people are aware of how they can help you. It shouldn’t just be a one-way street. Offer your services to help others in need too.
1. What Makes You Special
With so many people out of work and looking for a job, you must have a plan to differentiate yourself from competitors. Think of what unique experiences, skills, talents, education and character traits you possess. Put together a list of all of your special qualities. These will be the building blocks of defining your brand.
When you post online, your specific skills and subject-matter expertise will serve as the message sent out to prospective hiring managers, human resource professionals, recruiters and other people who can help you land a new job.
2. Build A Mutually Beneficial Network
Don’t just randomly connect with people on social media sites, such as LinkedIn. You need to strategically align with folks on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that can contribute toward building a mutually benefiting network.
These people should include potential hiring managers, human resources and talent acquisition professionals at the companies you’d like to work with. Find top-tier recruiters who are known experts in your field. Seek out peers at other companies within your niche.
This way, the right types of relevant people will get to know you, as they see your postings and keep you in mind when jobs become available.
3. What To Do Online
The best way to start branding yourself is by commenting, sharing, writing posts and articles on LinkedIn. The content should focus on your area of expertise, as you have a lot of knowledge to impart.
You can start slowly by liking and addressing the postings of others. Find leaders in your field with large followings. Get involved in their conversations to amplify your own voice. Keep in mind that the questions you answer and your responses should burnish your brand. Avoid getting sucked into toxic online arguments and stay far away from politics for now.
If you want to take it to the next level, create videos. You can discuss matters relevant to your field. In addition to LinkedIn, also pay attention to other social media platforms that are relevant to your profession.
Set a schedule to contribute on a consistent basis. If you only post once in a while, you’ll get lost. Post regularly, so people get to know you and become interested in what you have to say next. You’ll start building an audience by continually marketing yourself. People will feel like they know you and would gladly help you out with job leads.
4. How’s Your Social Media Footprint?
Scour Google to find out what’s being said or written about you. Think of how a hiring manager or human resources professional would view your social media footprint. Immediately delete any questionable or inflammatory Tweets and Facebook postings.
Take a fresh, new look at your LinkedIn profile, Facebook page and other social media sites to ensure that it reflects your brand. Your postings should show the value you offer to a potential employer.
5. Brag A Bit
Share some recent wins, accomplishments and achievements. Write about exciting projects that you’re working on. If you are an expert in your field, seek out online conferences and networking events. Try to become a speaker. This spotlight will make you known to a wider audience and you’ll be viewed as an expert and a leader in your space.
6. Authenticity Counts
Be open about your goal of finding a new job. Let people know that you’re in the job market and what specifically you want to do next. If no one knows that you’re on the job hunt, they won’t reach out to you with opportunities.
It’s fine to write about the emotions, challenges and pressure you’re dealing with in your job search. By openly expressing yourself, people will get to know you as a real person.
