How Mature Job Seekers Can Leverage Social Media When Entering the Job Market

It’s no secret that social media platforms, applications, and technologies are not only here to stay, but continue to change exponentially over short periods of time. What is true today will undoubtedly be reshaped by tomorrow. However, these unpredictable (yet beneficial) tools can make job searches both easier and more productive, allowing job-seekers to specifically reach recruiters and hiring contacts with whom they may not have previously had access, allowing our goals to be achieved in a more efficient manner.

Nevertheless, for serious and seasoned job seekers, there remains a hard-to-manage learning curve. Moreover, there are many individuals who feel like they might not possess the right online networking skills or the latest technique for creating an engaging post that will reach the right people.

The following outlines a helpful approach when you’re just starting out (or starting over) in social media.

Start With LinkedIn

To avoid becoming overwhelmed, focus on building your LinkedIn presence first rather than trying to keep up with four or five different platforms at once. As of January 2024, 58.4 million employers have advertised jobs on LinkedIn, so you are certainly in the right place. An up-to-date profile that is properly written and contains keywords specific to your industry and characteristics will help you be found by other users through the ever-changing LinkedIn algorithms. Start by writing your bio; then research the most common keywords that correspond with your industry. Remember to alter and adapt your profile as needed over time to ensure that you are consistently displaying the “right” words, phrases, and content. Stale content will not work in your favor, however, showing that you have a fresh perspective on modern developments in your industry will provide you with the necessary credibility you deserve.

Expand Your Focus

If you have become comfortable enough with LinkedIn and want to venture out into new online social territory, you may want to consider Twitter (X) as your next stop. Human Resources Director at Digital Silk for 15 years, Anna Williams, who also specializes in employee engagement and leadership development, explains, “Mature job seekers should not shy away from other platforms such as Twitter [X] or industry-specific networks. Sharing thought leadership content on these platforms can open up networking opportunities and highlight expertise.”

Engage in Meaningful Communication

While it may take more time, maintaining your presence through consistent communication is key. This is not only necessary to engage with your immediate network, but to build an expanded one as well.

Joining specific social media groups and exchanging ideas with the members of those groups is imperative. Search for and join groups focused on the industries you are targeting and participate in meaningful conversations within respective sub-groups. “Participation in relevant discussions showcases engagement, knowledge, and dedication to keeping up to date with industry shifts,” adds Williams.

Expand Your Content

CEO, Business Coach, Author, Keynote Speaker, and Founder of Champion Leadership, Jeff Mains, has seen how mature job seekers can leverage social media in a unique way by showcasing their life-long skills and experiences and skills in ways that younger job seekers might not be ready to tap into. Job-seekers should consider that the portfolio they are displaying on LinkedIn is more than just a resume. Rather, “[It is] a collection of stories, case studies, and practical lessons from your career,” says Mains.

These stories, studies, and lessons can perfectly translate into compelling video content through which members can connect, learn from, and ultimately get to know you better. Mains advises, “Platforms like LinkedIn and even YouTube are increasingly prioritizing video. Create short, engaging videos where you share insights on industry trends, offer advice to younger professionals, or discuss your vision for the future of your field. Video content can humanize your profile, making you more relatable and memorable to potential employers.” Click here for advice on how to create and post a video to LinkedIn.

Be Genuine

“Quality over quantity” is important when writing your profile content. While a wordy LinkedIn bio may certainly be comprehensive, a succinct description that prioritizes the credentials and qualities that are most relevant to the position you are seeking will be more practical as readers won’t need to skim through extraneous text to find what they are looking for.

Williams also reminds job seekers to not lose sight of their authenticity when building a social media profile. “Social media provides a platform to express genuine interest in a field and engage with a larger professional network. This combination of visibility, engagement, and genuine interest makes mature job seekers stand out to potential employers on social media platforms.”

The Takeaway

Streamlining your approach to creating a professional social media presence can reduce a certain amount of stress and confusion when navigating the vast sea of digital platforms. Job-seekers who simply focus on creating an authentic high-quality profile, making thoughtful and meaningful comments on others’ posts, sharing updates on industry news and otherwise showcasing their knowledge, will foster the type of tactical engagement that leads to potential opportunities.

Fred Coon, President & Managing Member

Leadership Transition LLC provides executive job and career transition strategies and services to senior level leaders who wish to make their next successful and financially rewarding career move.

©2024 Leadership Transition, LLC. All rights reserved. Limited to personal use and allowable only if this copyright message is left intact. Any duplication, alteration, or publishing of this content without expressed company permission is prohibited. Contact fred@leadershiptransitionllc.com