Social media tip# 4: Don't ignore social media, it is now an interview question

A client of mine, B, attended an interview this week for a tourism cruise line. She was flabbergasted when she was asked this actual interview question:

"How familiar are you with social media?"

Becing familiar with social media is no longer a desirable asset. It is a necessity in a 21st century job search. The following statistics ought to convince you, unequivocally, about the importance of using social media:
-a 2010 survey report by the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE), revealed an increase of employers using social media increased by 11%, compared to the previous year
The executive director of CACEE affirmed these findings by commenting:" Canadian recruiters are "increasingly turning to popular social media sites like Linkedin, Facebook and YouTube to find their hires."

Here are the current statistics:

Dave Fleet posted an article" 25 suggestions for how to use Twitter in 2011." http://www.davefleet.com/

Facebook; Users 600M (Worldwide)

Twitter; Users 200M (Worldwide)

LinkedIn; Users 101 M (Worldwide)
So if you think that social media is just a method to connect with friends and family by sending pictures and videos, think again. Social media can boost your job search overnight and reward you with dividends, not to mention capturing the attention of hiring managers, decision makers, recruiters and potential employers-the same contacts you want to connect with. With all of the tremendous competition in the job market (10% officially in the U.S. and close to the same number in Canada), isn’t it time that you changed your job approach and embraced a medium that will get you noticed?

For more on how to use social media strategically in your job search, buy my ebook, How to use social media in your job search on my site, http://www.careercoachingbyphone.com/

Need a social media job searching strategy?
Want to improve your professional brand with employers with a customized Facebook fan page?
Contact me at mmartin@careercoachingbyphone.com
1-877-621-3141

Melissa Martin, biiingual career and social media strategist
http://www.careercoachingbyphone.com/
ebook author, How to use social media in your job search

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Forget passivity, use the F word when job searching

A client was preparing to meet a potential employer in her designated field.

I prepared her on how to conduct her an information interview and an on-the-spot mini-interview (a cold call resulted in my first teaching job years ago).

When meeting with potential employers, especially in your field, say something like this:
I'm (name) and I am new in the area. I'm just looking for information. My specialization is:_____ What would you recommend for someone who is new to ___(community) and is breaking into (field of expertise)?' I would appreciate your F- eedback. There's the F word.

Wait for a response. Then ask for 2-3 names to build your network of contacts.

Human nature. People love to be asked for advice. They also love being consulted for their expertise.

The client not only received a callback from the contact (after leaving a voicemail!) AND an offer to meet over his lunch hour. This contact was a complete stranger.

She's also meeting him a second time.

Use the F word. It works

Need help on how to approach a potential employer?
Email me at mmartin@careercoachingbyphone.com
Facebook fan page: careercoachingbyphonecom
Twitter:@ravingredhead @melissacmartin