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Give Your Job Search Wings: Top 10 to Follow on Twitter
So maybe you were limited to following the orders of a superior officer while in the military, but that’s not true now that you’re back at home. Your next career move is totally up to you.
5 Ways to Increase Your Job Search Online
Today the greatest employment gains can be made through using social networks to your advantage. Some experts suggest you spend up to 90% of your time networking when looking for a new job.
We have compiled the five best tools you can utilize now to tap into the latest online trends so you can elevate your job search to the next level.
1. Virtual Resumes. While paper resumes still have an important place in the job search, virtual resumes provide a ‘command center’ for your online job search. A link is an easy way for people to pass along your information, especially through their social networks. Spend time polishing your virtual resume, before sending it out.
2. Facebook.Facebook is for more than connecting to old friends: use it to get job leads and make sure your virtual resume is circulating. First thing’s first, though—clean up your profile! The information you present needs to be professional, and this includes polite wall posts and decent images you wouldn’t mind your potential employer viewing. Don’t forget to send a link to your friends asking them to look over your virtual resume and send it to any employers who might be interested. Networking is one of the most powerful tools during the job search because employers respond to recommendations from people they already know and trust.
3. LinkedIn. LinkedIn is primed for business connections, so fill out a profile and link it back to your virtual resume on VeteranCentral.com. LinkedIn lets you get endorsements from your network, join groups related to your experiences, and network with colleagues. But don’t stop there. It’s important all your connections know that you are looking for a great job, so show off that resume you spent so long putting together, and join discussion boards relevant to your job interests.
4. Job Ads. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the number of job search engines online. The truth is, not all job boards are created equal. Some job boards don’t update their postings, so you waste time applying to jobs that have been filled already. To avoid this, look for the application deadline. If there isn’t one, call the company to ask if the position is still open. While you have them on the phone, ask if there are other positions open in the same area. The best job ads come from employer websites, career blogs, industry-specific job boards, and recommendations from within your social network. Be sure to connect with any companies you want to work for on social media platforms like Facebook. 50% of businesses now use Facebook to find new hires, and recruiters often troll Twitter feeds looking for just the right fit.
5. Online Recon. Doing a little footwork online can help you find job leads, identify key phrases to use in your resume, and discover companies that may be hiring. Make a list of the top employers in your industry and study their websites, executive bios, and the wording in their current job openings. Write down key phrases you find and use them in your cover letters, resumes, and interviews. It helps to speak the industry’s language and by researching, it shows your potential employer you are serious about the company. You may also want to explore any extra certifications or credentials that might help you succeed in this area.
Today’s job search is nothing like it was in the past, thanks to technology. But, when you learn how to harness its power, the Internet can also be one of your best strategic tools when job searching.
Given the expansive depth and breadth of available online job search tools, however, it can’t hurt to concentrate your efforts and heed some good advice. In fact, if you’re including Twitter in your multi-front attack, choosing carefully who you follow can actually help keep you in the lead when it comes to your career choices. Only, knowing which song to listen for can be difficult in a jungle full of noisy birds.
The trick with Twitter may be to limit your job hunt follows to just these veteran-friendly recommended tweeters:
Hero 2 Hired
@H2HJobs – This is Mission: Employment central. If their smartphone app is lacking, this company makes up for it with their Twitter presence. With unemployed veterans squarely in mind, they’ll hold your attention on everything from resume tips to upcoming job fairs to suggestions for enhancing your digital presence so that you stand out from the crowd.
Monster Careers
@MonsterCareers – With a constant stream of resume-building, interview-mastering, job-nailing tips, the Monster is on it. Plus, with recommendations on how to use your online presence to your advantage, it’s a career search experience tailor-made for social media.
Veterans Green Jobs
@greenjobs4vets – For veterans with vision. When not just any job will do, these folks can help you find work that helps build more sustainable communities. Stay informed on education and career development opportunities in the most lucrative and forward-thinking industries.
Veteran Owned
@VeteranOwned – Veteran job seekers would do well to find veteran employers. Who better to hire you than someone who already understands your unique qualifications and how to make use of them? Veteran Owned helps you locate them while keeping you informed of the latest news and other stories in the military community.
ClearanceJobs
@ClearanceJobs – Veterans with security clearance need look no further. When it comes to landing jobs in the defense industry to government agencies, you’ll find the advice and hiring news you need for a smooth transition into the private sector.
The Mission Continues
@missioncontinue – Learn more about a transition opportunity that makes sense. You could be one of the post-9/11 veterans all over the country who are putting their leadership skills to work for their neighbors and community. Get updates on how a fellowship program at a local nonprofit could earn you full-time employment.
Hire Heroes USA
@HireHeroesUSA – Move to the frontlines in your work search. Find out which veteran-friendly companies are hiring and where. Follow popular discussion points and trending topics in military news, support, and related issues.
George Bush
@UnemployedBush – Love him, or hate him. It’s all the same here… Who doesn’t enjoy making fun of an old boss? And as your faux former Commander in Chief, this version of the ex-President is ordering you to take a break from your work search and have a laugh at his expense. Remember, he’s unemployed now too!
Veterans Affairs
@DeptVetAffairs – Stay informed of the official word from your favorite government agency. Find out what’s on their agenda and how it may affect you.
Military Connection
@TheGoToSite – Keep current on what’s happening in military communities and news, while also gaining access to tips for finding employment and getting a higher education.
For additional news and resources, also consider:
Military.com @militarydotcom
IAVA Press Room @IAVAPressRoom
VeteransToday @veteranstoday
Veterans for Peace @VFPNational
Military OneSource @Military1Source
U.S. Chamber of Commerce @HireOurHeroes