By
Brokers looking to further develop their careers can’t afford to ignore three key social media sites, claims specialist recruitment company, Hays.
"Some sites and channels are particularly helpful in your career planning, but others are not," says Adam Shapley, senior regional director of Hays Property.
He believes that LinkedIn, Facebook at Twitter are all ‘powerful career planning tools’.
"LinkedIn is a valuable resource for anyone who takes their career seriously, while Facebook can have a huge impact on your professional life. Twitter is a powerful way to extend your network and get up-to-the-second insights from the people and companies you follow.”
While these are the three main sites brokers need to be aware of, Shapley says there could be other sites relevant to your business, such as Google+.
Below, Shapley offers three tips for using the top-3 sites for career development:
• An up-to-date profile, far-reaching network and clear interest in your industry will massively boost your appeal in a recruiter's eyes.
• Rest assured, they will be looking - and you can help them find you with a detailed, well-written profile that includes sector-specific keywords.
• LinkedIn is a mine of information for you too. Use it to stay informed, research companies ahead of an interview and connect with important people in your sector.
• Keep an eye on your privacy settings and remember how easy it is to search. Be aware of your digital footprint and make sure any publicly available information on Facebook about you is professional.
• Facebook's informality brings its own benefits. Like people, companies are usually a little more relaxed here. This means that you can often get a better feel for the culture and working life at the company by exploring their Facebook page.
• But don't see this as a way to bypass the application process.
• You can easily connect and communicate with opinion formers and thought leaders on Twitter, and be part of the debate on the hot topics for your industry.
• You can also research companies in depth.
• But be sure to keep your own output professional and respectable.
