There are tons of social networking platforms out there that can help with your job search. Now, a new network may have joined the ranks as a way to assist you in the hunt: Google+, a social platforms that allows its users to share their lives online, professional or not.
What makes Google+ different from the other networks out there, such as Twitter and Facebook? Well, think of Google+ as an all-in-one package where you can create a profile, update your status, post photo and video, chat or video chat with your network, share what interests you, etc. Basically, it gives you the best of all worlds.
How exactly can Google+ help job seekers? Here are three suggestions:
State your case
As with any social networking platform, it’s important to state your case and tell a story about yourself on Google+. To do this, complete your profile in full, include any visual elements that would help you stand out as a job seeker, update your status and content often, provide your network or Circles with useful information, and even bring up industry related news and events.
Additionally, why not include useful elements like your resume and links to your other platforms? You could also dedicate a portion of your profile as a sort of cover-letter style brand introduction. After all, employers will probably be more impressed by someone who uses Google+ as another avenue to enhance their images positively than someone who does nothing with it.
Connect with influencers
You know how you can connect with employers or influencers on networks like Twitter and LinkedIn? Why not do the same for Google+? It’s possible to connect with these influencers, adding them to your network and tracking what they do as you would do with other networks.
However, what differentiates Google+ is that you can easily arrange these contacts into specific Circles that may make it easier to keep tabs on them. If an employer posts a job opportunity on their Google+ profile, you can be informed since you’re following their updates. Additionally, you could also ask questions or comment on the position through Google+ to help yourself stand out and to create a conversation.
Use the features wisely
As with any social network, it’s easy to get sucked into platforms and not think about what you send out into the Web. If you are going to use certain Google+ features, say +1 Integration, which makes it easy to share things you’ve “favorited” on the Web, you probably shouldn’t be sharing anything that would offend employers. Or, you should think twice about using Sparks, a feature that pulls content from the Internet that interests you, for things that aren’t exactly PG.
Instead, use these features to enhance your brand, by either catering to a specific employer or a specific niche. For example, if you wanted to leverage your knowledge in a particular industry, why not share articles or blogs that would enhance your image as a thought leader in the industry? Ultimately, what you post is probably going to be seen by those that are following you closely, so be smart about what you share. Your job search will probably be a whole lot easier if you do.
Have you used the Google+ in your job search? How so?
Adrian Maynard is Vizibility’s director of marketing. He has more than 20 years of experience in marketing, many of those years in the technology industry. Find Adrian in Google at vizibility.com/adrian.
