Job hunting & social media: a practical guide

It will come as no surprise to the accountancy community that social media is now an integral part of the profession and has an increasing role in the job hunting process.

Recruiters are now using websites such as LinkedIn as the main place for sourcing candidates – a free global platform that includes FDs and CFOs among the rank and file of small business practitioners and graduate trainees. Twitter has also become the ultimate utility to connect directly with recruiters and employees at companies you want to work for.

Social media has become a key tool for accounting and finance managers to raise the profile of their organisation and of themselves. Refusing to engage with the online accountancy community could seriously hinder your career prospects.

AccountingWEB.co.uk has compiled a set of five guidelines to help improve your online job prospects:

1. Online presence

Having an online presence is now an essential part of broadening your horizon if you are in the market for a new job or looking to develop your career and contacts. In order to land your next role in 2011 it is more important than ever to have an online profile where you can showcase your skills, experience and references.

2. Consistency

Accurate professional information displayed clearly and consistently goes a long way in social media. Ensure your job titles, qualifications, companies and dates are consistent in order that your CV matches what is on your online profile. An incomplete or inaccurate profile is perhaps one of the largest stumbling blocks. Many people fail to complete their entire profile, such that it says 100% complete. Spend some time filling in all of the sections that are available to you.

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