For years I have coached clients on how to get to be the “known” candidate in a job search. When an employer needs a job filled quickly they first look at who they already know who may have the skills to step into the job quickly without having to conduct a lengthy search. As a Career Consultant, I help clients strategize on how to make themselves “known” to an employer before a job is even posted to increase their chances of being selected. Typically this is done through networking and informational interviews. But now social media adds a whole other component to becoming the “known” candidate. In Oct. 23 Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal article http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2009/10/26/story3.html?surround=etf&ana=e_article, Steve Lewis, Talent Acquisition leader at Deluxe Corp. talks about how he wants Deluxe to create communities of passive candidates who show an ongoing interest in Deluxe and follow the company’s recent developments. This is another way for a individuals to become “known” to an employer before there is even an available job. So my counsel to clients now includes strategically following through LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook target companies they are interested in. I tell them to show the company that you are interested in them and that company may just turn around and show interest in you.
Getting employers to notice you through social media
About the Author: Karen Kodzik
Cultivating Careers was founded by Karen Kodzik, a Career Consultant who has worked with individuals in transition for over 13 years. Karen meets professionals at various points on their career path and works with them to gain a clearer sense of where they want to take their careers.
Karen Kodzik holds a Masters Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Career Development. Karen couples seasoned counseling skills with a solid business acumen. She has coached and consulted various levels of professionals across industries to successfully reaching that next point in their career.