Pros and Cons of using Social Media for Job Hunting
Social networking can be used for a lot more than simply staying in touch with friends and family from across the globe; more and more people are beginning to turn to social networking sites for help in the job hunting process. This trend may have a few benefits but there are also some associated drawbacks that need to be considered before you start blasting cyberspace with your need to find a new job.
Pros
Wide Reach
There is no easier way to reach a vast audience in a short space of time at absolutely no cost than using a social networking site. This advantage makes it ideal to tweet, post or otherwise market yourself on any one of the popular social networking sites of which you may already be a member. What could be easier than updating your Facebook status to show that you are currently looking for a job or sending out a tweet with a hashtag #jobhunting or #jobvacancy to draw attention to your plight?
Easy to Create a Personal Brand
It is also very simple to create a personal brand online. Your social networking profile can be tailored to display your interests and potential employers have only to click to get some insight into who you are.
Able to Talk Directly to Potential Employers
Social networking also cuts through traditional layers by allowing you to speak directly to potential employers. You can follow their Twitter accounts or like their Facebook pages and get permission to speak to them about your suitability for the job.
Cons
Personal and Professional Lines are Blurred
Social networking may be great for communicating directly with potential employers but it is a two-way street. Your profiles are subject to scrutiny as well unless you are careful to change permissions so only those who are already approved friends can see your information. There is also a tendency to be more informal online and this can hurt your chances of projecting a professional image.
Current Employers May Also Find Out About Your Job Hunt
It can be hard to prevent current employers from finding out about your job hunt if they are also active on the social networking sites. This can make going to work a very uncomfortable experience, so it is worth figuring out if using this forum makes sense in your situation before you get started.
Whether you like or dislike what it has to offer there is no denying that it has changed the job hunt forever.
