Get Hired in 2011

Like it or not, the “social” in social media is misleading: The phenomenon has now fully permeated our professional lives. And that means if you’re one of the millions of Americans looking for a new job, it’s time to consider how to use that reality to your advantage.

1. Mine your social networking connections. >> Is anyone in your social network working for a company that would be a good fit for you? If so, ask them to keep you in mind the next time a position opens up, or pitch them on your experience and they just might put you in touch with their HR department.

2. Put your best Face(book) forward. >> Before you kick off your job search, make sure your Facebook page and other social media profiles are clean and professional. Remove any embarrassing or inappropriate material on your profile.

3. Monitor your online reputation. >> Set up Google Alerts to monitor your reputation. Ultimately, the best way to manage your online reputation is by generating positive search results through your online posts and profiles.

4. Use proactive posting to stand out online. >> If you have a well-written blog or if you are an informative tweeter, you can actually build a very respectable reputation online. Taking these steps shows you are well rounded, well informed, and a great communicator.

5. Build your online résumé using LinkedIn. >> Take the time to set up a profile on LinkedIn. It is the most commonly viewed source for job seekers and employers.

6. Check out your interviewer. >> It’s important that you know what your potential future employer is doing online. Conducting a little research in advance of your communication with a potential employer can provide you with a big advantage.

7. Make an impact by using video. >> Record a quick video. Use it to get an interview or as a follow-up after an interview.

8. Don’t be overly friendly. >> Remember, just because a potential employer responds to you using informal language in a Facebook post or via Twitter, does not give you the go-ahead to do the same.

9. Remember, you have to give to get. >> Each step up the social media ladder is earned by giving to the other members. Just having a network isn’t good enough; you have to play an active role in it if you want to get anything back from those you’re connecting with via social media.

Maribeth Kuzmeski, MBA, is the author of five books, including …And the Clients Went Wild! How Savvy Professionals Win All the Business They Want (Wiley, 2010), is the founder of Red Zone Marketing, LLC, and is an international keynote speaker.