Social media and social networking are a integral components of a job search strategy. And thinking they\'re a waste of time is a mistake. Learn reasons why it\'s worth the time to give social media and social networking a second look...

1. Social Media &
Social Networking
5 Reasons Why They’re Worth Your Time
Carol Camerino
Career Coach & Strategist to Comeback Moms
May 17, 2011
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Copyright 2011, Carol Camerino, LLC
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2. Social Media
“I don’t have the time.”
“That’s for kids.”
“I don’t know much about it.”
“It seems pointless.” “It’s scary.”
Hmmm.....sound familiar?
Many women transitioning from at home mom to Career Comeback
Mom share similar sentiments.
But social media and social networking are here to
stay.
What started out as something for the younger set
(did you see The Social Network?) have become
mainstream applications for all ages. They are now important
networking, information, and communication tools
that can be major assets while looking for the on
ramp back to work and returning to the job market.
Not convinced yet?
Here are 5 reasons why social media and social networking ARE
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3. worth your time, including some examples and sites
to consider.
REASON 1: IT’S ANTI-AGING
What?!?
It’s true. Knowing about Social Media/Networking can
shave years off your real age without handing over even
1 cent at the cosmetic counter!
Seriously, though...most women I know aren’t interested in trying to
look like they’re twenty years old. But virtually every one of my
friends wants to be current, vibrant and relevant. One way of
achieving this is to continually be learning new things and staying
abreast of trends.
Remember the first cell phones? They were a tad smaller than
today’s carry on luggage. The early adopters thought they were the
best thing since the pet rock and 8 tracks (hey, it was the early 80s).
But there were also people who thought they were silly, would never
catch on, were a waste of money.
Guess what? Today, there are about 223 million mobile phone users,
aged 13 or older, within the United States alone!1
The social media phenomenon is similar. Initially, it was a kid’s
fad...the late 20th century’s version of squeezing into a phone booth
or hula hoops.
1 http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/press/nielsen-fact-sheet-2010.pdf
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4. Today, however, it is no longer a fad. It is as mainstream as cell
phones and email. Usage of Facebook and Twitter has more than
quadrupled since 2007, and Linked In has increased its user base by
more than double, according to Nielsen.2
So knowing about Facebook and Linked In, texting, and being aware
some of the big names in social media will help you to create a brand
YOU that is ageless. And you’ll position yourself as
a candidate who enjoys learning!
REASON 2: IT IS A LEARNING TOOL
Yes, your kids really WERE doing their homework
online. At least sometimes...
Social media has become a real-time news and
information source as well as a how-to guide for
virtually everything and anything under the sun.
Want to know how to dress for an interview in the banking industry?
It’s online.
Want to find the weather forecast for your upcoming weekend away?
It’s online.
How about researching information about computers and printers
before a purchase? Or comparing brands? Or gaining valuable insight
into a company before an interview?
Yup. All online.
2 ibid.
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5. But there’s more...There are teleseminars 3, webinars, how to videos
and online classes all at your fingertips. Can you believe that many
are free or low cost, too?
Your fingers can literally do the walking and unlock a treasure trove
of knowledge that was previously unavailable (or very hard to find
and/or expensive to acquire).
Leveraging this information for your job search in terms of finding job
leads, researching target companies, enhancing professional
knowledge and reading about industry trends cannot be
overestimated. And the networking opportunities are
amazing...which brings me to Reason #3.
REASON 3: IT’S NETWORKING
GOLD
It’s been a while since you’ve had co-workers
and bosses. If you’re like most of us, you’ve
lost touch with most, if not all.
Unfortunately, many of us also lose touch
with high school and college friends, old
neighbors, and even current acquaintances -
people you’ve worked with on local
fundraisers, friends of friends, etc.
All of these people are potential network connections for you. That’s
especially important when you realize that there are tons of job
3 Visit my site (www.lookingfortheonramp.com) to learn about my upcoming
teleseminars.
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Copyright 2011, Carol Camerino, LLC
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6. vacancies that never get posted (they are filled through word of
mouth or referral) AND that the possibility of landing an interview
for any job is increased when you have a connection.
Social networking provides an unparalleled opportunity for
reconnecting with past colleagues and friends as well as current ones.
The fact that you’re looking for your on ramp, or planning a return to
the world of work, is something to share with your network. They
know you, understand the value and talent you bring to a potential
employer, and will keep an eye out for possible opportunities.
Facebook and LinkedIn are two sites to check out. Articles and books
about using both for networking and job searching abound online
(check my website for resources).
You can discover other networking opportunities online, too. For
example, if you’re interested in the Human Resources field, you might
do an online search for Human Resources Professional Organizations.
From the results, you can zero in on those with chapters in your area.
Perhaps they’ll have programs and speakers that you can attend.
Voila - networking AND learning!
REASON 4: THERE ARE JOB LEADS ONLINE
If you’ve been checking the classified ad section of your local
newspaper as your main source of job leads, you’ve probably been
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7. pretty disappointed.
Did you know that many jobs aren’t placed in
the classifieds? They are, however, placed on
company websites, LinkedIn, and job search
sites like Career Builder and Monster.
Getting to know the sites that are important in your industry and
geographic ares will multiply the opportunities you might be
interested in.
Another benefit is that you’ll begin to pick up current buzz words and
important skills which you can use to tailor your resume and cover
letters. If you see terms or phrases you’re not familiar with, you can
do some research (back to reason # 2!) and increase your knowledge.
REASON 5: IT CAN BE FUN
Hey, it doesn’t always have to be serious work,
does it?!
Yes, there is lots of fun information available
through social media/networking.
You can research vacation itineraries (at sites
like www.fodors.com)4 , catch episodes of your
favorite shows (at sites like www.hulu.com),
play scrabble online, read reviews of movies (www.moviemom.com),
4I include this site and the following sites for example purposes only. Please note
that I receive no remuneration from these sites and their mention is not a
recommendation.
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Copyright 2011, Carol Camerino, LLC
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8. make restaurant reservations (www.opentable.com), or find the best
price on that great new pair of shoes you’ve decided you must have
(www.bizrate.com).
Even though it’s for fun, using social media to research these will
increase your internet IQ, adding to your skills and smoothing the on
ramp back to work.
MY FINAL 2 CENTS
I encourage you to venture into the brave new
world of social media and social networking to
increase your knowledge and skills for your return
to work.
For additional reading about social media/
networking and to gain insight, minimize your
reservations, and learn tips for safeguarding your
identity and privacy, check out my resources list
on my website.
If I can be of any assistance to you as you look for your on ramp and return
to the world of work, please let me know.
Best wishes on your return!!
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About Comeback Moms - Looking For the On Ramp:
When women leave the workplace due to family commitments or choices, it’s called
off-ramping. When the time comes for them to return to work, or on ramp, they
www.lookingfortheonramp.com Social Media & Networking Report
Copyright 2011, Carol Camerino, LLC
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9. may feel unsure of their path and in need of assistance to find their way back to the
world of work. Comeback Moms - Looking For the On Ramp provides coaching,
workshops, teleseminars, and other programs and services to help moms return to a
job and career that meets their goals for today and beyond. For information, visit
www.lookingfortheonramp.com.
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About Carol Camerino:
Carol Camerino leverages her professional experience in Human Resources, Public
Relations and Freelance Writing to provide support, information and
encouragement to women returning to work after a significant time away. She is
known for her compassion, insight and knowledge as well as the positive results
achieved by her clients. She prides herself on seeing the gem of potential in each
and every one of her clients and is the voice cheering the loudest when they land
jobs and find their on ramps. To work with Carol or to have her speak at your
event or meeting, email her at carol@lookingfortheonramp.com.
www.lookingfortheonramp.com Social Media & Networking Report
Copyright 2011, Carol Camerino, LLC
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