By Sharon Bishin, Corporate & Employability Trainer

With the latest statistics showing that there are 200 million LinkedIn and 500 million Twitter users*, you can no longer ignore this important element of your job search strategy.

Also, upwards of 78% of recruiters** use these and other social media platforms to find the best candidates. Which is YOU, right?! So, what does that mean? It means that you must become comfortable developing LinkedIn and Twitter profiles that put your information online.

There are multiple benefits. It allows people who are searching for candidates in certain locations, career sectors and with specific skills to reach out to you. It also brands you and your niche and positions you as someone who delivers a superior product – your expertise – which you have developed over time. Finally, it puts you “in the game”.

Whether you are on LinkedIn or Twitter, you have a valuable network of contacts, information and knowledge at your fingertips. Knowing how to find and connect with key people in your industry is invaluable when looking to sharpen your expertise and follow work trends. Today, it is understood that desirable candidates are comfortable with technology; and a quick Google search by a potential interviewer will show immediately whether you are ‘in the game’ with LinkedIn and Twitter profiles….or not. This is particularly important for job seekers who have been out of the market for a while.

So how do you get there? For those who like to work on their own, both LinkedIn and Twitter have excellent HELP resources with written and audio-visual options for learning. YouTube, also, has a number of educational choices; simply Google “LinkedIn” or “Twtter” and “getting started” for links. The lessons will also help you set up privacy settings which will allow you to become comfortable as you stretch yourself into this public sharing of information.

Here at Ometz we have a number of ways for you to get up to speed. During the month of October alone we have workshops in Twitter, LinkedIn and Blogging. And in November we have a very special evening with Pinny Gniwisch on how to build your company’s social media campaign. Check out our calendar for details: http://bit.ly/1fW0bkX

Get on board; you’ll be glad you did.

*(www.expandedramblings.com 2013)
** www.jobvite.com