Parents are skeptical when it comes to social networking sites and their benefits for their college-aged children. The truth is, when used right by students and employers, social networking sites can be priceless. They truly are reshaping the way people communicate overall and in the job searching and hiring processes.
Sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are being used by employees to attract employees and by candidates to display their skills. Universities are even starting to offer classes surrounding the subject of social media.
With the struggling economy, companies are using social networking sites to check out candidates as part of a pre-interview tactic. This might seem unfair, but it can be a great way for your child to show of what he or she can do that a regular resume can’t demonstrate. These sites offer ways to post all different sorts of personal and professional experiences.
I must say this though (and this is true with any social media and the Internet in general), you have to be careful what you post. Whether it be pictures or comments, these types of things can be used against you. Since Generation Y has grown up digital, it is hard for them to draw the line between using these sites for social and professional purposes.
LinkedIn, for example, is a social networking site that allows professionals and students to connect with people who work in specific fields, as well as peers, family and colleges. LinkedIn also has a careers feature where employers can post job openings. You can only view these openings if you are on the LinkedIn network.
At Come Recommended, we offer similar services by letting candidates and employers build profiles, request recommendations, participate in forums and search employers, among other features.
Social media is not going away more and more people are connecting everyday. Its benefits are endless. Students need to learn how to use it to their advantage.
This post was written by Lindsay Elias, Come Recommended’s public & media relations assistant.
