About half of all job-seekers will either slack off or put their searches on hold during the summer. However, people who continue to be active can have an edge over others, and those who adapt social media to a summertime job search will have an even greater advantage.
Now that job creation seems to be slowing, you need to use every tool you have. Keeping active during the summer and not postponing your search is one way. Adapting social media to help you to connect during the summer is an added plus.
ClearRock offers this advice on using social media in a summertime job search:
Offer to give and receive LinkedIn recommendations from colleagues, former employers and coworkers. They may be more likely to give recommendations due to the decreased workload and slower summer pace. A good way to get this in motion is to proactively propose to give recommendations first.
Provide introductions to your contacts and any other assistance. Reach out to people in your network, especially those who may be able to aid you in your search, and ask them if they need an introduction to any of your contacts, as well as whether you can help them with anything.
Arrange face-to-face networking meetings. Use LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to ask for in-person networking meetings. It may be easier to meet in person during the summer with people who were too busy earlier in the year.
Get inside information on potential employers. Locate a connection at a targeted employer through social media who can give you the latest details about their needs and the types of people they are looking for.
Line up opportunities to volunteer. Use social media to connect with places where you can volunteer during the summer. In addition to improving your network, volunteering can help fill a resume gap, and give people thinking about switching careers useful experience in jobs where they currently lack the necessary skills or credentials to be hired for paid positions. Volunteering to serve on the board of directors of nonprofit groups can introduce you to a higher level of contacts.
Work on building a better social media brand. Use the summer to develop a compelling online brand for yourself that defines the areas in which you specialize and distinguishes you from others. Ensure that you are using the best professional headline that highlights the full range of what you can do and the value you can bring.
Host or invite current and desired contacts to leisure activities. Organize or invite people to picnics, barbecues, beach parties, golf, tennis, and other summertime leisure activities. These are a great way to relax, have fun, and update and expand your network.
