How to use social media to get your dream job

So, you’ve got your degree and you’re ready to show the world what you’re made of. Or maybe you’re switching career paths and you’re ready to embark on a new journey. You’ve even got a brand-new resume and have put it out there for a few feelers. There’s just a few problems: you’ve got no connections and don’t really know where to go from here. Before you record that ‘In My Feelings’ challenge video, let’s use your phone for something productive. That’s right, social media is the career tool you’ve been missing out on. Keep reading to find out 5 ways you could be one like, retweet or Instagram story away from your big break.

1. JOIN FACEBOOK GROUPS

It’s time to find your people. There are thousands of Facebook groups out there geared toward different industries. How do you find the one for you? There’s a few ways you could start. Do you have a favorite podcast? Many podcasts have Facebook groups for listeners to connect with one another. On a more general level, there could be a professionals group for your industry based on location. This could give you an upper hand when it comes to making local connections. Your favorite industry-related blogs, magazines or influencers may even have groups. Once you join these groups, not only can you have discussions, get advice and share your experiences, but you can be the first to know about job openings near and far.

2. FOLLOW HASHTAGS

Instagram now gives you the ability to follow hashtags! Say hello to inspiration, connections and opportunities. Look up a few hashtags related to your industry and you’ll be exposed to a whole new world of passion, creativity and success from professionals worldwide. To ensure you don’t overwhelm yourself, choose a few of the top-performing hashtags to keep up with. When you come across posts containing job opportunities, meet-ups, job fairs or networking events, you can easily save them for later!

3. DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!

You can’t be a shoe-in for your dream job if you don’t know what your dream companies are up to! Chances are, your favorite businesses are on social media. Following them not only gives you more to talk about in your interview when they ask, “Why do you want to work with us?”, but you’ll be the first to know if they’re hiring.

4. SEARCH FOR EVENTS

The Facebook events feature is your friend. Use this tool to find events relative to your industry right in your backyard. There are tons of job fairs, happy hours and general networking events happening all the time. Even if you can’t find events directly related to your passion, this is your chance to use the power of networking to your advantage. Maybe you like to practice yoga on the side and see a sunrise yoga event coming up. You never know who else you could meet with the same primary passions as you.

5. CONNECT WITH PROFESSIONALS

If you’re looking for a more personal way to keep up with news and trends, join a LinkedIn group. This is a great way to connect with others in niche markets within your industry. There are thousands of groups out there; you may find one related to your culture, location, company, industry, or all the above. Be sure to limit the number of groups you add to your profile. You’ll find that some groups suit your professional needs more than others. The right group has active participants and great content that feels right for your professional goals. Don’t forget to introduce yourself once you join!

Have you ever used social media to secure a formal or informal job opportunity or project? Share your story below!