Have you flipped through the jobs section of your local newspaper’s classified ads lately? What about careerbuilder.com or monster.com for your zip code? Have you seen any unique or creative or fun job listings?
In all likelihood, you haven’t. There’s a simple reason for this. The unique, creative, fun, really great, one-of-a-kind jobs get filled without the need for a general public announcement like the classified ads or job search websites. Why? You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” In today’s world, this is truer than it’s ever been.
Social media is the new communication highway. Networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are your primary vehicles for getting on. Re-connecting with old classmates and former teachers, bosses, and coworkers is a mouse click away. Establishing a connection with peers you meet at a conference or seminar or the coffee shop can now be done without the need for exchanging business cards. Keeping up with an industry expert or your favorite brand or the company you would most like to work for now only requires having an account on one of these networks.
Executives and managers looking to fill a position in their company now use the connections they’ve made with social media to get recommended candidates. Craig Benson, Assistant Director of the MU Career Center, says “Employers are likely to go with people they know, those that are top of mind to them.” This is a concept emphasized in Richard Bolles’ best-selling job-hunting book “What Color Is Your Parachute.”
Craig also recommends following companies and organizations you are interested in. “Connect with people in those companies,” he says. If you are on Twitter, for example, “send retweets of those people or companies.” This will help build your connections and increase your profile.
If you’re not on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, you should be. If you are, be sure you’re active and engaging with your connections. Make yourself known, and help ensure you get a shot when an opportunity presents itself.
