Job Search Technique - Find Hiring Managers on Social Networks

Hmmm... Being unemployed stinks. Finding a job is a killer. How do I find the job? Why don't I begin by finding the hiring manager instead? If I can do that, I might be on my way to getting the position that I want. Maybe online social networks offer the key I need to unlock the doors to the job market? Could be. So the question is: Where do I start?

Well... Don't go wide and thin. Finding a job requires concentration--and concentration means focusing your attention where it matters.

What do we suggest? Focusing your attention on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn really covers 95% of the field. These are the big three that matter, and LinkedIn is the biggest of all. You should be spending 80% of your time there. It's that important.

Second, you absolutely must pay attention to detail. We realize you are hunting a job and you want to identify those all important hiring managers right away. However, first lay a good foundation. Deliver complete and thorough account and profile information, complete with a professional photo. Be sure that when you find the manager you are looking for, he'll be satisfied with what he finds when he checks up on you.

Next, prepare for your search. Put together a list of key words you believe are the best for your position of choice. (You can read job descriptions if you need help.) Look at industry news and events to identify key participants, leaders, and attendees that may be part of your short list or that might be a good place for you to seek employment. Create a list of top companies, and the top companies in your immediate local area, that you are most interested in and are largest in your field of expertise. With all of this identified you are ready to start the hunt.

(This brings up an important consideration about using online social networks. You are not only trying to find hiring managers--you are also trying to attract them. Success is waking up in the morning with an invitation to connect with one of the hiring managers you were hunting!)

Finally, start searching. Find out how to use the advanced search features for each site (but especially LinkedIn). If you aren't that strong at this, ask someone to show you what works and doesn't when setting up searches. With this behind you, begin searching terms, locations, individual names, company names, and hiring manager titles. Soon you will have tons of prospective hiring managers pouring out of the systems. Reach out directly or through contacts for introduction and begin reaching out to these individuals seeking the job of your choice.