Social media now plays a major role in the 2012 presidential elections, which is evident if you frequent Twitter or Facebook during debates. With employers hopping on the social media bandwagon, it also influences many aspects of the hiring process–making social media savvy a necessity for job search success.

Utilize the Power of Online Video in Your Job Hunt Like Romney and Obama

The presidential candidates realize the power of online video, which is why their YouTube pages are heavily populated. Just like the candidates, job seekers should utilize the power of online video in their search to find a great job. They can create a video resume, which can be shared on their paper resume or through their social media channels. This video resume will show off important intangible skills employers want to see, like personality and communication skills. Video will help employers get a more personal feel for job seekers campaigning for the job.

— Josh Tolan, Spark Hire

To Tweet or Not to Tweet? Beware of Sharing Overload

This year’s presidential race has revolved around social media. Job seekers can learn from the backlash that seems to be occurring — people do not like being spammed about the election. Facebook is even offering an application now that supposedly blocks user posts about the election from your newsfeed. To avoid backlash, keep your social media up-to-date by posting on each forum several times a week, but try not to post more than twice a day.

— Afifa Siddiqui, Careerleaf

Engage, Engage, Engage

Just as both presidential presidents utilized the debates to reach and engage their voters, job seekers have to understand the audience that they are speaking to and how to best get their message across. While it is no public speech, you are essentially pitching yourself to corporations looking to hire new talent. Be mindful of who you are speaking to and how to effectively communicate your value to them.

— Ryan O’Connell, Digital Talent Agents

Get Involved in the Conversation

Be present and participate in the conversation. It’s not enough to have online profiles, you must keep them updated with content that moves your audience and use the platform not as a microphone, but has a tool for participating in a dialogue.

— Sudy Bharadwaj, Jackalope Jobs

Career Advice That I Would Not Take From Politicians

If a job seeker is conducting research, his or her message across the different social media platforms should be consistent. Presidential candidates are taking cues from his political party, but the job seeker offers the culmination of his or her accomplishments and achievements.

— Mark Anthony Dyson, Competitive Resumes

Watch Your Mouth

If this election has taught us anything, it’s that in this digital age, you don’t have to be James Bond to wield a pocket-sized camera. In fact, anyone and everyone basically does. As Romney learned the hard way through his captured commentary on “slacker America,” what you say can
follow you just as far as what you do, and the same goes for what you spout on social media platforms.

— Adam Itkoff, Fueled

Effective Link Sharing Will Bring Employers Your Way

President Obama’s “this seat’s taken” image created buzz around his campaign and directed followers to his campaign site. When tweeting a picture, make sure to link it to another one of your social media platforms to drive traffic to your site. If you’re referencing someone else’s work, be sure to link to them. Creating and sharing links to your other platforms will increase your reach to new viewers and give your current viewers fresh content.

— Brittany Jackson, BAJobs.com

Ensure Your Content Aligns With Your Value System and Image

Every tweet sent, photo shared, and blog posted is a reflection of your value system and personal image. As a job seeker, think before you post online. Ask yourself if it’s is something you’d be comfortable sharing with your future supervisor or mother.

— Diane Gottsman, Protocol School of Texas