Dear Matt: I took your advice and signed up for LinkedIn and Twitter. Now that I'm on these social platforms, how can they really help me?
Matt says: I've been preaching how LinkedIn and Twitter can assist in your job search for some time. Anyone can sign up — but you have to be active to succeed, and you have to be a giver first, says Mark Babbitt, co-author (with Ted Coine) of "A World Gone Social: How Companies Must Adapt to Survive" (aworldgonesocial.com).
Relentless social givers are active on Twitter and LinkedIn and are constantly sharing articles or posts with fellow job seekers, colleagues and mentors; making introductions to like-minded connections; and routinely answering the call when networking contacts ask for help. And when the giver finally asks for assistance, everyone wants to help.
"Build your reputation as a relentless giver and build networking karma," says Babbitt.
I suggest you start this type of social networking whether you are looking for a job or not. Doing it now is just good professional development, it's inexpensive and can be done without going to the networking events so many introverted professionals purposely avoid. I still recommend in-person events to help grow and nurture those social relationships, but these are easy networking steps that can be done without costs or having to travel.
Job seekers can no longer settle for a "we're connected on Twitter" relationship. They must build a connection strong enough that networking contacts are willing to put their reputation on the line by enthusiastically referring the candidate to their employer, says Babbitt. Why is this important? A recent Federal Reserve Bank of New York study revealed that candidates referred by existing employees are twice as likely to land an interview, and referred applicants have a 40 percent better chance of getting hired.
For someone to know you well enough to recommend you, they must see you in action. Two excellent resources are alumni and industry associations. Volunteer to assist with events; serve on committees or put your professional skills to use in marketing, fundraising, or community building. When you're ready, serve as an officer.
Can't contribute in person? Develop referral-worthy relationships by engaging in and contributing to LinkedIn and Facebook groups, Twitter chats and Google+ communities. This helps build something more important: Trust. Have you earned the trust of those around you? Have you done what you said you'd do, when you said you'd do it? This is important because no one recommends someone they don't trust, says Babbitt.
"The social age job search is hard work," says Babbitt. "However, it's this effort level that helps us build referral-worthy relationships — and earn that elusive job offer."
Contact Matt at jobslink@startribune.com.
