Will social media fetch you a job?

The other day I saw a post on Facebook asking for suggestions to choose a good laptop with a specific configuration. Sometimes we see enquiries about food joints. On other social media platforms, we find several postings asking for references of candidates for various positions. Occasionally, we also come across people who are “seeking a job change”.

The social media is inundated with posts requesting for references or suggestions. What response did such postings garner? It hasn’t been great – especially on matters of serious business. People tend to comment on ‘lighter’ matters than on serious enquiries. The response has been lukewarm for job postings.

What could be the reason?

Why is the response not encouraging? My take is that there is no incentive for someone to refer someone unless they have some personal interest or they know the candidates closely. People rarely think about such general social postings. Also, even if we want to help out, we may not know exactly what to suggest to them and where they should go.

The lack of incentive is understandable. There are not many opportunities are not mutually beneficial. A few portals such as www.talentmandi.com offer referral bonuses. Of course, internal employee referrals are another option. But what about other requests? The same situation prevails in the real estate industry as well. You refer a property to someone only if you get some incentive.

Given this trend, social media posts can only create awareness and not necessarily a desired response.

• Is it a good idea to post your ‘job needs’ on social media?
• There is no straight answer to this question. There several advantages and downsides.

The advantages of posting your resume:

• It increases the visibility
• It reaches many walls and has a good probability of hitting right opportunity somewhere

On the downside, it can work against you.

• When there are no incentives, people will simply note that you are looking for a job change but they may not do much.
• It will communicate to your present employer that you are on the look out! What if you don’t get any reference or job outside and end up with the same employer who thinks you are disengaged?
• Posting in multiple places expresses your desperation to change; people will start doubting your intention to change.
• It may lower your market credibility; you lose the premium tag! Consequently, you could lose your bargaining power.

What is the way out?

Despite the downside, if used smartly, social media can help you in your job search.

• Use social media to network with important contacts that can help further your career
• Build a social media image, which communicates your achievements and talent
• Track social media postings on available opportunities, which can give an idea of the suitable openings to match your profile
• To some extent, it may be acceptable to post your job need if you are a fresher; but if you are an experienced professional, it is not advisable to post on social media sites

The social media is too powerful to ignore. Use it smartly for your job search without diluting your personal brand!

By:Dr Raj