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11:52

We're just about to get started, so send your questions along.

11:55

[Comment From Bob]
How do people new to the jobsearch use social media in their employment efforts? What should they expect from using social media?

11:58

Hey Bob, there are a few things that I recommend to get started.
1. How you show up online is the most important thing. We all know, or at least believe that recruiters and HR folks are "googling" people before they hire, or even before thinking of hiring just to see who's out there. you need to have a great digital presence to start

11:59

The second thing that I recommend is to get "tuned in" to all of the job search opportunities that can 'feed' you the jobs in your field. For example, you might start with a Google RSS reader account and then subscribe to job postings on SimplyHired or subscribe to a search on Twitter with keywords related to your ideal job to find those opportunities that don't show up on the regular job boards

11:59

[Comment From Guest]
Just wanted to say Hi to Dana and say that I wish I knew about this when I was looking for a job. Carla

12:01

Thanks Carla! You know, you can still play a role in someone's job search via social media. Get involved on LinkedIn or Facebook and look for any of your friends or colleagues that are searching and connect them with folks you know who might be hiring. We can all help out regardless of what state of employment we're in.

12:01

[Comment From Jessica]
As a Senior English teacher I'm often trying to help soon to be grads learn how to prepare themselves for the job market. Beause most of the kids I teach aren't going on to school immediately after high school, I'm wondering how they can use Twitter to help them find a job.

12:01

Jessica, that's a great question, I have a couple of thoughts

12:03

One of the best things that you can teach them is how to 'get involved' online in professional communities of the professions that they might want to pursue some day. As an english teacher, perhaps you could have them write a mock (or real) article for a professional journal of their choice and post it on their own blog, and of course, Tweet about their content in Twitter. Also...

12:04

I would encourage them to do some focused searching in Twitter to find the right people to follow. Perhaps searching for employees at the companies' they'd like to work for some day. Without getting into career counseling, so to speak, you could really get a lot of mileage out of working with them to hone their online community, personal brand and communication skills!

12:04

[Comment From Lisa]
How do you explain to potential employers that you are willing to relocate to where the job is? We are thinking of moving from WI to OK. We are moving because family is there not because that specific job is there.

12:05

Hi Lisa, that's something I've certainly experienced. I have a couple of thoughts on how to express that in a tactful way...

12:07

First, I would start connecting with employers in the area on LinkedIn or connect with recruiters on LinkedIn (or via their blogs, Twitter feeds, etc.) to get some 'local intelligence' on the area that you'd consider relocating to. Since the web is, of course, worldwide, it's actually very easy to connect with people in a fairly non-threatening manner when you're just in the 'research' phase.

12:08

Secondly, I'd state that on any profiles that you have, especially if your'e currently between careers (unemployed), as I know from experience that even if you're looking for a job in Oshkosh and live in Green Bay, employers will want to know how you feel about relo.

12:08

[Comment From drox]
How often should you update your LnkedIn account so it does not appear to be "old news?"

12:09

Hello drox, that's a great question. I recommend at least once a week. Ideally, a couple of times a week. Everyone is busy and has a lot going on, but all of that activity should also give you some great fodder to share with your network... Also keep in mind...

12:10

that what you post should be "useful" in nature. Blatant self promotion isn't useful, but pointing people to a great article, sharing some insight you've come across or keeping your network up to date on something big in your life (which, as friends, they would likely care about) are all useful updates in their own right.

12:10

[Comment From Jessica]
What do you think is the biggest mistake people make when trying to find a job?

12:10

Jessica - Wow! There are several big mistakes people make, but in my opinion/experience...

12:12

The biggest mistake is not doing the due diligence on themselves to:
1. Develop a solid personal brand, including why they're unique and best suited for the job and,
2. Not working hard enough on "marketing themselves" once they've developed that personal brand.

Oh, there's one more thing...that's related

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