How to Use Social Media in an Executive Job Search

Social media is an incredible tool in executive job search to help get you in front of recruiters and potential employers who are actively searching to fill positions. Learn to use it well, and it could become your secret weapon. Many executives underestimate the power of social media, so it is often underutilized in a search strategy.

Using Social Media in an Executive Job Search

Audit Your Online Presence

If you’re new to creating an online presence, an excellent place to start is with an audit of your current platforms. Open an incognito browser and Google your name to see which social media platforms pop up.

While you don’t need to show up and be active everywhere, potential employers and recruiters should be able to find you through a simple Google search.

Knowing where you show up, what images are attached to your name, and what people are saying about you gives you a jumping-off point in creating an online presence that can help you find your next executive role.

Choose Your Platforms

Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter – your options are endless. It’s a good idea to choose one platform and go all in, rather than to spread yourself thin by trying to show up everywhere. Look to thought leaders in your industry, recruiters, and hiring managers, and show up where they are active.

LinkedIn is the obvious choice for many executives, but depending on your industry, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter may also be beneficial.

LinkedIn:

The world’s largest professional network, LinkedIn has 810 million members in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. This social media site is an incredible networking tool and an excellent resource for accessing job postings, conducting job research, and building thought leadership.

According to a post by Influential Executive: “most Fortune 500 CEOs are on social media“.  And stats suggest that “more than one in eight LinkedIn users are decision-makers”.

Facebook:

Many employers advertise positions on Facebook. Following an organization’s Facebook page can give you early access to openings, and help you stay up to date with what’s happening in the company.

In addition, Facebook is known for its robust groups. Look for opportunities to find and join like-minded groups on the site – even if they are not job-related. For example, a search for “executive groups” on the site brings up executive networking event groups to women-specific networking groups to career network groups. Engagement in any of these groups could put you in touch with new people, ideas, leads, or opportunities.

Instagram:

Instagram is the perfect choice for executives working in creative industries. As a visual platform, you can establish your personal brand while demonstrating social media skills.

Search and use hashtags to identify other people or pages of interest. Engage on the site and build your own visibility to get noticed.

Twitter:

One benefit of Twitter is free-flowing communication with recruiters and hiring managers. It is also a great way to keep an eye out for open positions and upcoming events within your target companies.

Some hashtags to follow on Twitter, as an executive job seeker, may include #executiveresume, #executivesearch, and #executivejob. But don’t just scroll and lurk. Control your narrative by building a strong profile, sharing tweets and posts that demonstrate your authority on a subject, and initiating connections.

Stay Active and Up-to-Date

To make the most of social media during your job search, you want to keep your profiles, bios, and images current. Get engaged and active on social media to increase your reach, get you top of mind, and generate great conversations and new connections.

Creating content on social media is an incredible way to position yourself as an expert in your field. Even if you are not creating your own content, sharing articles from leaders in your industry (with your insights) is an excellent way to show potential employers that you are current and willing to learn.

Strategically Build Your Brand

Strategy plays a significant role in succeeding with social media. A strategically built brand helps you get in front of the right people and positions you as a thought leader and ideal candidate.

When building your personal brand, ask yourself questions, such as:

• How do I want people to see me?
• What do I want to be known for?
• What keywords are recruiters and employers typing in when searching for my position?
• Where are they spending time on social media?

Grow your network

Networking is an essential component of job searching and one of the top ways job seekers get hired. Social media is an incredible way to meet new people and expand your network, especially when in-person events are limited.

Reach out to connections for information, advice, and introductions to hiring managers. Stay connected and regularly engage with your new contacts.

Used strategically, a strong social media presence can help you grow your network, build your brand, and get your name in front of recruiters and hiring managers. Knowing how to navigate the world of social media is quickly becoming a necessary tool in your job search toolkit. It may just lead you to your next executive role!

For more tips, scripts, and resources to help you use social media in your executive job search, Visit Job Search Journey.