3 Habits in Social Media to Successfully Educate and Promote Yourself

What would an employer want in an employee? If you were hiring someone, would you want someone who’s constantly learning and networking in their profession or someone who’s tired of educating him or herself and doesn’t have the time to communicate with others? My goal as I search for my next job is to have a company feel secure with me as a new-hire because I’m proactive in my own education and I’m social enough to spread the word about my employer and our services. I try to do it through the following 3-step process.

1. I use my Twitter account as an active resume

I share the news I find interesting in my chosen profession as well as the news in the interests I have personally such as video gaming, music, craft brewing and more. The majority of people and companies I follow are directly related to those industries and I make sure to converse with them every day. Not only does this habit communicate what I’m currently educating myself on, but it shows that I’m active on this social media platform daily and that I have a commitment to using it and educating myself regularly. I believe this approach is much more effective than merely mentioning that you understand social media in your resume or in a job interview.

2. I use an RSS reader for daily consumption of news

Time is a rare commodity nowadays and a reader helps cut down on the fluff to get the news I find most appealing. I find myself gravitating to articles that help me with different tactics in social media campaigns as well as other tips for better performance from services such as Google Analytics or Facebook Insights. Similar to how I use Twitter, most of the news I follow relates to the industries I find interesting.

3. I use LinkedIn to keep tabs on others in related industries

Since LinkedIn has a longer shelf life for posts, I usually post 1 – 2 of my favorite articles of the day on the professional networking website. I’m part of quite a few groups, although I must admit that I don’t interact with them as much as I should. LinkedIn is a place that every professional should keep tabs on, even if they aren’t currently searching for a job. It’s a great place to keep your job skills updated, so it doesn’t become a chore when you have to update your resume.

With just an hour a day, you can educate yourself and promote yourself through Twitter and LinkedIn. Plus, it’s a great way to wake up with your morning coffee. How do you educate and promote yourself?

Beginning Another Chapter

It’s hard not to start this post off with some cliché phrase like “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around once in a while, you’ll miss it.” But, for some reason, I can’t think of another apt way to begin, so I’m just going to roll with it. Life moved pretty fast over this last week when I got the news of my first career layoff.

I’ve had jobs end in the past, which I suppose is sort of like being laid off, but I’ve never actually been laid off. There’s a bittersweet feeling to know that although your employer can’t continue to employ you, they valued your work and your presence.

So, I’m back at the job search grind with the ever looming presence of debt hanging over my head. I knew right away that there was no time to be angry. No time to be bummed. No time to vent frustrations. I’ve had bigger disappointments and worse news in my life. The one way I knew how to react was this: Be proactive and be positive.

And that’s what I did – I was proactive and positive. The outpouring of support has been monumental. Friends and family have come to my aid and I can’t thank them enough. As I continue my journey on the career path I’ve chosen, I’ll never forget the people who have helped shape me. You all have a special place in my heart.

Life After Graduation

The days after graduation have been very different than what I’ve been used to over the last five years. Typically, I would be picking up hours at the CD/Game Exchange and experiencing a summer without homework. Instead, Yaicha and I have moved out of our place to a spare room of her parents to save some money for the move to Portland, Oregon. This has kept me busier than one would think.

I’ve been trying to find an awesome paid internship in Portland before we begin the move and have spoken with some great people that work at certain agencies I’d like to work for. Everyone has been super helpful in answering any of the questions I have and some have become great friends. Recently, I had a pre-screening phone call from HR at Waggener Edstrom and I felt like it went well. They gave me some advice as to not put all my eggs in one basket, so I’ve been more comfortable talking about how my search has been. After that, I made a trip to Edelman in Portland for an informational session with some of the team. It was great meeting some of the people I’ve contacted with via email and social media in-person. Shortly after I arrived home, I received a phone call from Singley + Mackie about a virtual internship and I’ve got my fingers crossed for a good phone call tomorrow. I couldn’t feel happier about where I’m at in life.

Although I don’t have my dream job, or even my own place, I feel like I’m on the right path to success. I haven’t had much help from anyone throughout my college years. Many great things have happened and some very rough times have also occurred and I’m still working my butt off to fulfill my dream of working in communications for a game company.

I would like to extend my thanks to all my family, friends, and acquaintances I would also call friends that have helped me over these past few months. If it weren’t for your help, I have absolutely no idea where I would be.