Key tips on using Social Media to hunt for that next job. A presentation by Tanya Lunshof from Waggware and a member of Silicon Halton.

1. IEEE PresentationJob Hunting Web 2.0 StyleJanuary 6th 2011

3. Waggware Background Founded in 2000 in Burlington, Ontario, Canada as an IT Solutions Company Offices in Burlington, Ontario and Houston, Texas Extensive knowledge in Database Design, Custom Software/Application Development, Web Development and System Integrations specifically focused on providing Customer Care and Billing and Meter Data Management software solutions to the Energy and Utilities market. Focused on delivering effective Talent Management solutions A member of the American Staffing Association (ASA) An Oracle Gold partnered company.

5. Stats and Trends What Employers Look For Career Builder Survey Finds 45% of Employers use social networking sites to research job candidates Of those who conduct online searches/background checks of job candidates, 29% use Face Book, 26% use LinkedIn and 21% use MySpace. One-in-ten (11%) search blogs while 7% follow candidates on Twitter The top industries most likely to screen job candidates via social networking sites or online search engines include those that specialize in technology and sensitive information: Information Technology (63%) and Professional & Business Services (53%)

6. Stats and Trends What You Say Can Be Used Against You Why would an employer disregard a candidate?? 35% of employers reported they have found content on social networking sites that caused them not to hire the candidate Examples Include: 53% provocative or inappropriate photographs or information 44% content about candidate drinking or using drugs 35% bad mouthed previous employer 29% poor communication skills 26% discriminatory comments 24% candidate lied about qualification

7. Stats and Trends What You Say Can Be Used Against You Examples Continued … 20% shared confidential information from previous employer 16% candidate used text language (example: GR8) in an email or job application 14% candidate sent a message using an emoticon such as smiley face in an email or job application Overall … Be mindful of information you post online and how you communicate directly with employers

8. LinkedIn Stats and Trends

9. Profile Design and Build 101 Name and title Is the candidates name and title easily presentable? E.g. Ashley Stevens Professional Recruiter and HR Generalist specializing in IT Photo Should be professional Remember this photo is your ‘calling card’ Should not be of your pet, favourite movie title etc. Not comfortable? Keep your photo clear

10. Profile Design and Build 101 Summary Box The first thing viewed Be clear and concise Talk about your industry and your accomplishments Key highlights you would like to offer Looking for IT Professionals I always look for technologies that the candidate is most proficient using. Keep this box up to date as you transition from position Includes lateral moves, promotions and new positions Note: LinkedIn should be used to promote you and not your company

11. Profile Design and Build 101 Experience Social Media policy (?) Previous positions should have a full detail of work history Key highlights and achievements of role Groups The participation in a group is not mandatory from a Recruiter perspective Helps to determine interests and seriousness of candidate Posts Recent candidate posts and discussions Providing quality content through articles, blog posts, videos etc? Are these professional?

12. Profile Design and Build 101 Network A large quantity of network is not mandatory from Recruiter perspective Who is the candidate connected to? Recruiter perspective Candidate perspective Strategic or Open Networker [L.I.O.N]? Advantages and disadvantages of larger network Leveraging your network 1st, 2nd and 3rd connections Managing your network and maintaining relationships

13. Profile Design and Build 101 Recommendations Provides a professional insight for the Recruiter or Head Hunter on candidate How will the candidate: Perform Mesh with team Take feedback Etc. Employer(s) Colleague(s) DO NOT BLAST YOUR NETWORK; be selective! Optimize your profile

14. Profile Design and Build 101 Things Not to Post on LinkedIn Linking sites (e.g. Twitter or Face Book) Personal conversations Social Plans Network Event vs. A night out with the gang Financial Information Personal Contact Information Work cell phone number? Work telephone number and extension? Passwords Password hints Anything that you do not want made public

15. How to Get Who You Know to Get You Where You Want to Go How to Connect On LinkedIn via InMail Through another connection Connect Directly On Twitter Search friends, Decision Makers or Companies and Follow them No permission required, however, people do get notified that your following them

16. How to Get Who You Know to Get You Where You Want to Go How to Connect:

17. How to Get Who You Know to Get You Where You Want to Go

19. Post any relevant events or webinars you are attending or participating in.

21. Participate Join Groups and Engage in Discussions Offer relevant comments and to increase presence and likelihood of getting invites to connect. Check the member list for potential Connections When you share a group with someone you can send them direct messages. LI emails have a higher open rate than traditional emails. Try to achieve Top Influencer Status to gain a presence in the Group

23. Engage Your Network Ask a Question Post an Answer Achieve Top Expert Status

25. Promote Yourself Don’t be afraid to post that you are actively looking for work in your Status Update Do be professional and specific when you do.

26. Elevator Pitch Yourself Senior Software Engineer with 10 years experience in application design and development based on Rational (UML) methodologies, focused on Java/J2EE development and web services. Available for short and long term contract positions anywhere in the GTA.

28. Effectively Connect With Decision Makers Always include a professional personnel note when requesting a connection and clearly state your intentions. Do not spam your resume. Always tailor your resume and cover letter for each position you’re referencing and have a generic one if there aren’t any posted positions. Check the Interested In section for “job inquiries”. Consider this an invitation to connect or inquire about job opportunities. Do your homework first! Check their website and LinkedIn Group site for any posted jobs so you can speak specifically to the job you’re interested in.

29. Effectively Connect With Decision Makers Make sure you’re qualified for the job you’re inquiring about. Be brief and ask if they are the person responsible for hiring for the posted position. Always respond with appreciation and professionalism to any response you get. Remember, even if they are not the person hiring, the person who is could be sitting next to them. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a response. Find out if there are any networking events that they may be attending that you can also attend. Follow them on Twitter to see what their tweeting about. Use the Privacy settings on LinkedIn so you can research DM’s anonymously.

30. Effectively Connect with Decision Makers

31. A Few Last Thoughts

32. Create Your Brand

33. Promote Yourself

34. Be Memorable John Smith: Looking for work John Smith: Business Strategy Executive and Visionary exploring new opportunities

35. Maximize Your Network

37. Sharing

39. ABCAlways Be Conscientious Everyone you meet personally or professionally may know someone you want or need to know. Be positive and professional when you’re speaking of your current or previous company, position or colleagues. Think twice before you post anything in a public forum, personal or professional, comments or photos. Potential employers could be watching and reading.

40. Thanks To: Silicon Halton LI Group Paul Castain’s Sales Playbook LI Group Financial Post Career Builder Quantcast

41. Q&A