Using the Internet and
Social Networking in Your Job
Search
What are we doing today?
• Tips on your job search
• Career Sites a/k/a Job Boards
• Social Networks
Networking is #1
Social networks expand your reach
Have Goals, a Strategy and Target Employers
List your accomplishments on your resume – not your responsibilities.
Go Cards!
Learn from the successes and failures of others who have already transitioned.
Learn the language and terminology of the civilian field that interests you.
Professional organizations & associations will help you understand the field better and make connections.
Thinking this will be an easy / fast process because you are senior, have a higher level clearance or contacts…and not dedicating time to your search before you separate. You might find a job quickly, but is it the right match?
Professionalize your job search
• Professional email address: name + numbers not [email protected]
• Professional outgoing message on cell phone
Career Site aka Job Board
As generic as Monster or as specialized as ClearedJobs.Net
Free for job seekers, paid for by employers
Use Job Search Results to help develop your job search strategy.
•Who is hiring?•Where are they hiring?•What kinds of positions match your skill set?•What are the relevant keywords for your industry or profession?
Start with a wide search and then narrow down.
Search with clearance levels lower than your current clearance.
Register on Target Company Sites
Refresh
Log in to job search sites at least monthly to “refresh” your account.
Lets recruiters know you are still looking for a job.
Employee Referral Programs
Better hires > everyone wins
Social Networks….
Not a requirement for your job search, but your competition is using social media
85%
Recruiters & HR Professionalscheck out candidates online before they schedule an interview.
Source: Microsoft Online Reputation Report
Social Media
1. Networking
2. Reputational Tool
3. Great info source
Take control of
your online brand
Online Reputation Management
• Discover what is public – Google Yourself
• Do you need to change any info?
- Revise profile information
- Create a new presence, should you use a different version of your name?
- Request unflattering content be removed
• Check and re-check privacy settings
Check Images as well
Set up a Google Alert to monitor mentions of your name.
Consider setting up a Google profile if you need a more robust online presence.
Solidify Your Online Brand
• Use the same name on all sites, on your resume, cover letter, job applications, email address, email signature, etc.
• Use similar biographic info
• Use the same photo on all sites
• Link your profiles across social media platforms, for example include LinkedIn profile on Facebook profile
professional networkingand job searching onlinkedin
What can you do on
•Create profile, upload public resume
•Find contacts and make connections
•Join (or create) groups
•Search for jobs
•Research and follow companies
•Provide status updates and share information – demonstrate your knowledge to potential employers
Do NOT put your clearance on your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn Connections3 Degrees of Separation
Use Keywords. Recruiters search by keywords / job title and location
Customize title
Get and give Strategic Rec’s
You accept the recommendation and control whether it’s visible
• Post articles or info
• Comment or respond to posted items
• Gather info• Network!
LinkedIn Groups
Military 2 Career Support Network
LinkedIn group created for transitioning military in DC area
Search target companies. Find contacts and make connections to get a foot in the door.
Skills - adds keywords to profile, highlights other professionals to connect with
Always personalize your invitations to connect
Review the LinkedIn profile of an interviewer(s) before you meet them
1. Complete profile including keywords, skills and picture in professional attire
2. Build network by connecting with personalized invitations
3. Join relevant groups and participate
4. Get/give strategic recommendations
5. Research and follow companies; find individuals to help your job search
5 Things You Must Do
microbloggingand job searching ontwitter
News no longer breaks, it tweets.
140 Character news and information feed / email alternative
Why
• Follow recruiters & target companies
• Job postings are tweeted
A Tweet
http://search.twitter.com
Profile
Company news, info and jobs
Jobs that require military experience
Upcoming Cleared Job Fairs
Job search tips
Alerts on new educational videos
1. Follow/connect with companies you want to work for and their recruiters
2. Use relevant keywords in your profile
3. Establish yourself as a thought leader
3 Things to Do
social communication for added reach and networking
You never know who might be able to help your job search.
1. Include work info on your profile
2. Upload your public resume to your notes
3. Let your friends know you’re looking for a job
4. Set up lists of people you share info with friends/others
Active Facebook User?
Not on Facebook?
1. Create a skeletal profile
2. Like/follow companies, organizations and government agencies you are targeting
Facebook page for Transitioning Military
• Change profile so it includes job-related info
• Like/follow companies you are targeting
• Anyone you know may be able to help you find a job!
3 Things to Do
Profiles, Groups, Discussions and more
www.TFCN.us
This is the best thing that could ever happen here and it is going to be a great networking roup for intelligence careers
www.TheIntelligenceCommunity.com
Nearly 100 Interviews with Defense Contracting Recruiters and HR Specialists
For your targeted
companies
• Research and follow on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.
• Connect with recruiters and other employees
Social networking isn’t over
after you land the job
Keep your network intact for the future!
Help Me Help You
Be clear when asking for help
Upcoming Cleared Job Fairs
October 4 – Westin Tysons Corner, VA
October 26 – Sheraton BWI, MD
www.ClearedJobs.Net
Thanks for your service!