Member Avatar for InsightsDigital

We all know that any lead helps with this economy. Online job boards are full of job seekers who are really looking. But I read on a site about how social media has helped job seekers find jobs. There are many job related twitter accounts and also other karma related job seekers helping other job seekers accounts there as well. So if you found a lead or helped someone else find a lead using social media, please share your story.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by MktgRob

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Thread started by raises a practical question that several members began to answer with real examples. Contributions from (researching contacts as an entry point), (making a referral via LinkedIn) and (noting the limits of a paper resume) point to three persistent needs: a searchable professional footprint, clear evidence of work, and a simple way to turn contacts into introductions. The short playbook below fills those tactical gaps without repeating the anecdotes already shared.

Recommended checklist:

  1. Audit public signals — search the full name and common handles, remove or lock personal posts that could raise questions, and keep one public, professional handle across platforms.
  2. Polish one canonical profile — a concise headline, 2–3 measurable accomplishments, and a single portfolio link or one-page PDF. Multimedia is fine, but prominence should go to results.
  3. Package work into bite-sized evidence — three case highlights (problem, action, outcome) visible without downloads. Recruiters skim; make impact obvious.
  4. Targeted outreach — use mutual connections for warm intros, mention a specific recent project or need, attach the one-page case highlight, and keep the initial message under ~120 words.
  5. Track and follow-up — log contacts and dates in a simple spreadsheet; follow once after 5–7 days and one final polite note after ~10 days.
  6. Keep giving — share leads and quick introductions; credibility grows faster through consistent helpfulness (as @jay11 illustrated).

Example intro template (fill blanks):
Hi [Name], [Mutual] suggested connecting. Brief: 6+ years in [specialty], recent project: [one-line result]. Case highlights: [link]. Open to contract or full-time; available for a 15-minute call.

Notes and cautions: employers will screen public content, so privacy settings matter. Generic mass-messaging damages response rates; prioritizing two excellent, tailored introductions is better than ten cold blasts. The forum thread supplies useful stories; the checklist above is intended to turn those stories into repeatable steps.

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Member Avatar for MktgRob

We all know that any lead helps with this economy. Online job boards are full of job seekers who are really looking. But I read on a site about how social media has helped job seekers find jobs. There are many job related twitter accounts and also other karma related job seekers helping other job seekers accounts there as well. So if you found a lead or helped someone else find a lead using social media, please share your story.

My story is not so much about finding a lead or helping someone else find a lead (although I have done both) but rather that researching a lead is what brought me into social media in the first place. I took great pains to avoid MySpace when it was the big thing and most of my co-workers were on it. But I came across a lead and the contact's first name was Lee. As I wanted to send an e-mail and I wanted to be gender specific in my greeting, I was able to find the person on Facebook. But I had to join access the info I needed. I figured I would cancel my account immeadiately after finding what I needed but I was lazy. Within a few days I had multiple friend requests and I started getting more involved. Since then I have used social media as a job search tool with moderate success.

Member Avatar for jay 11

A few months ago, one of my colleagues from California tweeted about how he was looking for a web designer for a new site he was launching. I quickly told my friend who happens to be a freelance designer in NY and introduced the two parties via LinkedIn. My friend was hired for the project and they are both living happily ever after. :)

Member Avatar for MktgRob

A few months ago, one of my colleagues from California tweeted about how he was looking for a web designer for a new site he was launching. I quickly told my friend who happens to be a freelance designer in NY and introduced the two parties via LinkedIn. My friend was hired for the project and they are both living happily ever after. :)

And they say long distance relationships are impossible to manage ;)

But on a more serious note, I had the misfortune of being unemployed in 2008 and a lot of the people I met through a job search group at our local Dept of Labor office were still relying only on job boards and agencies. I am still in contact with many of them and quite a few have been expanding their search to Linkedin, Facebook and Ning and they have gotten some good leads.

Member Avatar for mackone

The recruiting and job search process is changing. You can't stand out with words on a piece of paper anymore. You need more resources, a better network and extra energy.

Member Avatar for MktgRob

The recruiting and job search process is changing. You can't stand out with words on a piece of paper anymore. You need more resources, a better network and extra energy.

Very true. I heard someone say that if you use Facebook for your jobsearch you should set up your presence as a high end resume with video and presentations, if they demonstrate your skills and experience. I even heard that some people include video testimonials from personal and business references.

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