Archive for the ‘Social Networking’ Category

Using Social Media in Your Job Search

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

The pros of using online social media for your job search are many. It’s where society is headed, just watch this fun youtube clip about the power of social media. This revolution lends easily to mass communication and it is accessible from anywhere (that is, anywhere with an internet connection). Social media is open to anyone and it fosters community, which allows users to build relationships and network.

Online social media provides a real-time and transparent impression of you. Increasingly employers search Google, Facebook and LinkedIn for background information about potential employees. So before you tag pictures of yourself on Facebook or a blog, consider your current (or future) employer. How will those late-night images of you ‘enjoying the party’ be perceived? One quick tip to help protect yourself is to ensure you have established security and privacy settings on your social media accounts, as the defaults usually leave users exposed.

Another thing to consider is that electronic comments can live on and on. You never know who may be reading your comments on other blogs, Facebook wall posts or tweets. Think twice before you make a comment. Generally, it’s best to avoid negativity altogether. How would your future employer interpret a Facebook status update that says: “I hate getting up for work”? Communicating through social media is like living in a small town, everyone knows your business.

For more information on sign up for our workshop Using Social Media in Your Job Search. Check the workshop schedule for the next date and call the Career Centre at 250-248-3205 to register.

Posted in Social Media, Social Networking | 1 Comment »

Understanding Labour Market Information

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

Recently two of our staff attended a workshop on Understanding Labour Market Information. Following is some key information that may be useful in your job search:

  • In today’s economy job seekers shouldn’t rely only on the classifieds and job postings sites. (Only 20% of jobs are actually posted, the other 80% are through networking). When the job market is tight, job seekers need to be more creative and resourceful in their job search. This can be accomplished through social networking either in person or online.
  • A great place to start would be connecting with family and friends. Let everyone know that you are looking for work and what type of work you are looking for. Another effective way of networking is to do an informational interview. This involves talking with people who are currently working in the field to gain a better understanding of an occupation or industry and to build a network of contacts in that field. Other ways to find labour market information are to read the Business section in the newspapers and business magazines. Newspapers and magazines are provided at the Career Centre in the Resource Room along with other valuable LMI.
  • Another way of connecting with others is online social networking. This is an online service, or site that focuses on building social networks or social relations among people who share interests and/or activities. Some great social network sites to sign up with and follow are Facebook, Twitter, Delicious, LinkedIn, Blogs, and RSS Feeds. The Career Centre has access to the most current information available to assist people in their job search. In fact, we teach a workshop on how to utilize Social Media as part of your job search. The next workshop will be held October 18th from 1-4pm.
  • The BC Labour Market Outlook 2009-2019 was recently published. It includes topics on what level of employment growth is expected, where the greatest growth is anticipated to be across the province, what occupations are expected have a strong outlook, what level of training will be needed for the job openings, and the impact of the aging workforce on employment.

    • Following are a list of popular labour market research websites which can be found on the Career Centre website:

  • Labour Market Gateway
  • BC Work Futures
  • Alliance of Sector Councils
  • BC Chamber of Commerce
  • A Guide to the BC Economy and Labour Market
  • Employment and Labour Market Services
  • Small Business BC
  • Service Canada – Build Your Occupation Profile
  • Education Planner

    • Posted in Job Search, Social Media, Social Networking | No Comments »

    The Power of Social Networking

    Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

    Fat Cyclist began blogging his attempts at weight loss and about his love of cycling where he gained a degree of blogging success. Then his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and he blogged this fight as well. He started raising money particularly through the LiveStrong foundation (Lance Armstrong’s foundation) and he had phenomenal success with his fundraisers.  

    A few days ago “Fatty” wrote an “Open Letter to Johan Bruyneel”, the Director of Lance Armstrong’s new cycling team. The open letter was a joke applying for a job as a professional cyclist. You can read his cover letter here.

    Johan Bruyneel saw the letter and thought it was funny so he proposed that if he could raise $20,000 in one week for charity (World Bicycle Relief and the LiveStrong Foundation) he would allow him to be a pro for a day at the team training camp.  Then John raised the stakes by offering a very nice bicycle if Fatty raised $50,000.  The $20,000 was raised in two or three days and then the $50,000 was accomplished soon after, so Bruyneel raised the stakes further and offered a trip to the Tour de France if he raised $100,000 by Friday. Fatty ended up raising more than $135,000 for LiveStrong and World Bicycle Relief. An example of amazing fundraising and the power of social networking. The Career Centre is interested in how you are using social networking to assist you in reaching your career goals.

    Posted in Networking, Social Networking | No Comments »