Last week we talked about the steps to take to make sure that potential employers who are checking you out receive a positive image of you. This week we want to go over some of the ways you can actively conduct a job search using social media.
Here are six ways you can actively use social media to advance your job search using the sites you already use:
- Promote Yourself
There are many opportunities on social media sites where you can let people know you are in the job market. A simple announcement with either a sentence about your job search or a link to one of your appropriate profiles lets you state what you are looking for and where. For example:
Hi Fellow Facebook Group Members, I am graduating from (Name Your University) in May and am looking for a CF position in an elementary school commutable from Baltimore, MD. Here is a bit more about me (Link). Any suggestions, or feedback is appreciated!
- Connect with Others to Build a Professional Network
The importance of making professional connections at every stage of your career is so valuable. Some universities are now also actively encouraging students to build their professional network using LinkedIn, ASHA or their state associations. All are good options that will enhance your career. Start by connecting to your university professors and clinical instructors who are active on social media.
Dear (Clinical Instructor),I would like to add you to my professional network and hope that we can stay in touch after graduation. I learned so much at the clinic and know that I want to continue working with children. Thank you so much for being one of my references. I am looking forward to beginning my career using the training and experience you’ve given me and hope that you will help provide the foundation of my professional network as well.
- Scope Out Potential Employers
Before you make contact with a potential employer you may want to check them out! Most companies have a website, Facebook page, Glassdoor profile, company LinkedIn page, Pinterest, Twitter and more. This is all public information you can use to see how their jobs match with your wish list, which positions you want to apply for at this company and if there are any concerns you want to check out further. Connecting with or Following them is usually as easy as a click request but if you need to make contact don’t be afraid to do so. For example:
Good Afternoon (Best Contact Name),I saw your recap for the ASHA convention on your LinkedIn page and wish I could have been there this year to meet with you. I am graduating from (Name Your University) in May and am looking for a CF position in the Orlando, Florida area as I will be relocating there this summer. Here is a bit more about me (Link). Can you let me know to whom I should direct my resume in order to be considered for a CF position with you in that area?
- Use Groups and Organizations to Build a Specialty Network
Most social media sites offer forums for specific clinical interests and for those who are looking for a specialty area of practice. These more focused entities are essential places to connect with. For example:
Hello AAC SLPs! Thank you for including me in your group. I wanted to introduce myself and tell you a little about my AAC interest. I am graduating from (Name Your University) in May and had wonderful training and experiences with children K-6 using several different AAC Apps and devices. I am looking for a CF position in California and working in a school position that includes children using AAC devices on the caseload. Any information or suggestions is appreciated. I can’t wait to find my California CF job.
- Request Assistance or Introductions
At the heart of social media is the desire to communicate and connect with others who share a common interest or profession. In general, people who participate in online communities like to help people when it’s within our ability to do so. Most savvy participants know that their contributions and assistance to the other members of the group will be repaid to them when they need help, too. For example:
Good Morning (Name),I am contacting you because I saw that you also graduated from (Name Your University) and work at (Target Company). I am graduating from (Name Your University) in May and am looking for a CF position in an elementary school commutable from Philadelphia. I know this area can be a difficult area to find a full-time job. Here is a bit more about me (Link). I am hoping you can give me some insight into the interview process there and make suggestions regarding how to increase my chances of obtaining an interview. I welcome the opportunity to add you to my professional network and if you think I would be a good fit with (Target Company), can you let me know if there is a specific person to whom I should direct my resume?
- Respond to Active Job Posts
Hot jobs are often promoted by companies through their many social media sites. Even if the job is not exactly what you are looking for, applying for one of the promoted jobs might get you to the top of the interview pile sooner. During the interview process you may decide to actively pursue the promoted job, find out about other positions in the company that are more suitable for you, and/or hone your interview skills so that when the perfect job comes along, you are more prepared to impress!
Dear (Hiring Manager Name)I am interested in hearing more about the position posted on your company website. I am graduating from (Name Your University) in May and am looking for a CF position in an elementary school. I’m exploring all options, and my top priority is to ensure a solid experience for my CF. My resume is attached and I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this opportunity.
Take away tip – Most social media sites allow you to identify yourself as a member and allow others who share in the same membership to view/communicate with each other. Even if you do not know a specific person you might be interviewing or working with in the future, your shared social media network can establish common ground.
The resources we suggest a CF-SLP should focus include University and Clinical Supervisors, ASHA website, ASHA convention and state associations/conferences, online search sites (LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor), and your social network.
