By now, you’ve seen social media networks littered with hashtag phrases. Usually, they’re used to make a point or a joke, but more and more, hashtags are being used by job seekers to identify themselves as potential candidates.
Job search hashtags can now be found on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms, and they could be a great way to find your next job. But if you’re going to go down that road, you need to be strategic about it. And not only that, you need to get creative.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you embark on the frontier of the hashtag job search:
1. Follow the companies you’re applying to. Potential employers are better able to identify you amongst the sea of hashtags if you’re actually following their social media presence. On Twitter and Facebook, you can keep all of these companies organized in one place by putting them in lists under your own account. Following their activity keeps you updated on current company happenings, which can come in handy during interviews, as well as showcase your interest.
2. Use strategic hashtags. Don’t hashtag a job search phrase that’s not commonly used. Companies that are using social media to recruit new employees need a surefire way to find you. Dedicate one of your hashtags to one of the 10 most popular job search hashtags, which PayScale has already found for you:
1. #hiring or #hireme
2. #jobsearch
3. #careers
4. #recruiting
5. #RTjobs
6. #tweetmyjobs
7. #employment
8. #nowhiring
9. Hashtag the actual company’s name that you’re applying to
10. Hashtag credentials or skills that help you stand out (e.g. #MBA or #PhD)
3. Get creative with your hashtags. Once you’ve come up with your strategic hashtag, i.e. #hireme #companyname, come up with a creative hashtag that sets you apart from the rest of the applicants. Include one of your highly marketed skills or characteristics that you’ve been praised for in the past, i.e. #SEOspecialist #risktakingteamplayer.
4. Use comparable hashtags. If there’s a company you’re interested in applying to and they’re using hashtags in their social media presence, doesn’t it make sense to use the same ones? For instance, your desired company may be tweeting with the hashtag #companynamehiring. When you’re tweeting a link to your online profile or resume, use the same hashtag so they know you’re trying to get their attention. Essentially, use the same social speak as the company you’re looking to interview with.
Does using hashtags in your job search guarantee you a job? That is yet to be determined. But in this digital age — it certainly doesn’t hurt. We are job searching in an age where innovation and creativity are highly sought after traits; and when you’re exhibiting those in the job search, you’re sure to turn some heads.
What do you think about using hashtags to benefit your job search? Share with us below.
IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by mkhmarketing
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