Social media allows you to advertise your ‘personal brand’ and demonstrate your value and professionalism to potential employers. There are an infinite number of creative ways to do this. Here are 8 smart ways to get started…

1. Create profiles on popular social networks

For networking and recruitment purposes, it’s best to invest your time on established social media networks. The bulk of useful potential contacts will be there and comfortable using it so stick with well-known sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. (And do make sure your privacy settings on your personal account/s are set appropriately.)

2. Clean up your existing online profiles

If you plan to use your current personal social media account/s for the purposes of a job search, do clear up any digital dirt on them first. Any embarrassing photos or comments you have made or participated in are should be deleted so they don’t reflect badly on you.

3. Let people know you’re looking

Regardless which network you are using, let your contacts know you’re looking for a new position. Even better, tell them what type of job you’re looking for.

They may not know of any openings right now but, if they know you’re available, they’ll think of you when a position opens up. That will help you hear about opportunities before they’re listed on popular job boards.

4. Don’t be afraid to network on Facebook

Don’t make the mistake of overlooking your Facebook network, especially if you already have hundreds of friends. Facebook can sometimes be useful for job-hunting because friends who know you personally really want you to succeed. Use that to your advantage.

5. Search out the hiring managers

Before you submit your résumé, look up the hiring manager on LinkedIn and Twitter. These sites are veritable gold mines of information. Knowing more about the person who might be hiring you can help you better customise your approach and cover letter.

6. Create the connections you need

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. This might not strictly be true but it certainly has validity when it comes to finding a new job. Don’t just use the connections you already have. Figure out who you need to know to get the job and make the connection: whether by getting them to follow you on Twitter by retweeting their tweets or by growing your LinkedIn network until they become close enough to link up with.

7. Seek out job-search advice

All three of the above networks are great places to find free advice on job-hunting and mingle with other job seekers. Join LinkedIn groups that focus on job searching, follow career experts on Twitter, and ‘like’ their pages on Facebook. That way you’ll get tips for your search.

And be courteous when approaching recruiters online. The interview and potential recruitment process starts the moment you follow a recruiter on Twitter or LinkedIn so make sure your profile, timeline and any subsequent communications are suitably professional.

8. Join industry chats on Twitter

Look for conversations and posts that revolve around your industry or, better yet, the industry you want to work in. Joining online forums helps you keep up-to-date, meet helpful contacts and showcase your expertise.

To conclude our post, when used effectively and appropriately, social media is one of your most valuable resources for career search and development. Use it wisely – in conjunction with other tools – to get the outcome you want.

See also: 12 Reasons Why You MUST Use a Recruiter

If you are a lawyer or chartered accountant and interested in working in the Bermuda/Caribbean region, visit our jobs portal to see the latest vacancies. Our site also includes a downloadable All You Need to Know guide which will tell you all you need to know about living and working offshore.