By Yuan Li Ren: Subscribe to Yuan's RSS feed
July 13, 2010 2:39 PM EDT
The use of social media applications is becoming a popular tool for both employers and job seekers, especially those fresh out of college, to gather critical information and accumulate valuable contacts.
Websites such as Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, and LinkedIn create an accessible social atmosphere for diverse people to interact for various purposes. Not only do employers gain the opportunity to learn more about their job applicants beyond the resume and cover letter, college graduates also obtain the chance to access important facts not revealed on company websites or in their information sessions.
Christa B. Downey, director of Career Services at Cornell University in New York State, conducted a program in the spring semester for Cornell students, to encourage them to use social networking as a strategy for finding employment.
"You're not asking for a job, you're asking for advice" that could eventually lead you to employment, she said.
Her definition of social networking entails an ongoing process of casual dialogues with others to gain familiarity about a specific subject area. As regards a job search, this sort of networking over the Internet could work as a prelude to landing a favorable offer.
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Downey claimed that 75 percent of college graduates are getting their jobs through social networking. She believes that the traditional way of submitting a resume and cover letter is no longer as effective as social networking.
"In today's job market, employers really want to see why you're interested in the company and whether you are a good fit for the position," Downey said. "With social media, you're able to get the connection and do a targeted application."
Some employers ask students to join the employer's fan page on Facebook, to learn about employment opportunities.
Many employers will search Facebook and other social media sites to learn about someone before making them an offer, Downey said.
Social networking websites such as LinkedIn provide individuals an opportunity to build extensive networks and learn about targeted companies.
"Many professionals are in LinkedIn," Downey said, adding that through LinkedIn contacts, students can be directed to contacts in their field of interest.
Downey also warned students to be aware of their writing etiquettes and the materials they put on Internet sites, since such postings, depending on their quality, can either help or harm the job seekers.
Lance Choy, career counselor at Stanford University in California, offered another perspective on career opportunities through social networking.
While it is true that social networking has increased employment opportunities for college students, "the overwhelming number of hires are still using job postings, career fairs, friends, contacting directly to firms, and other traditional methods to find employment," Choy said.
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