Job Searching with Social Media For Dummies
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Whether you’re networking with people on LinkedIn during your job search, commenting on a blog, or chatting more casually on Facebook, follow these guidelines to be sure you don’t annoy people:

  • Don’t ignore the unspoken rules of the network you’re using. For example, LinkedIn is a professional network, so don’t share private information on it. Also, Facebook posts can be more casual, so don’t be too formal in how you write.

  • Don’t spam. People are already bombarded with too much information these days. If you start interacting with someone too frequently, you may just annoy him or her. If someone doesn’t get back to you right away, wait at least a week before following up through a different medium.

  • Don’t shout. Using ALL CAPS in your online interactions is like shouting. No one likes to be shouted at.

  • Don’t beg. Networking isn’t about you; it’s about them. Never come across as desperate. Instead, show your passion and offer to help.

  • Don’t be generic. The worst thing you can say on someone’s blog is, “Nice post.” Instead, try being a bit more thoughtful by arguing with a point, calling out an example that applies to your life, or providing a quote. The more you customize your interaction, the better.

  • Don’t just add someone to your network without an explanation. Although doing so is acceptable on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook connections deserve to get a reminder from you about how you met and why you want to connect. To avoid an awkward situation, consider sending a message first before asking for a connection.

About This Article

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About the book author:

Joshua Waldman, MBA, is an authority on leveraging social media to find employment. His writing has appeared in Forbes, Huffington Post, Mashable, and the International Business Times. Joshua's career blog, CareerEnlightenment.com, won the About.com Readers' Choice Award for Best Career Blog 2013. Joshua presents keynotes, trainings, and breakout sessions around the world for students, career advisors, and professional organizations.

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