Social Media &Uncategorized 06 Jan 2009 05:36 pm
The Internet and Social Media’s Impact On Searching For a Job
A few weeks ago, I walked across the stage at Miller Auditorium, shook the president of Western Michigan University’s hand and received the diploma that officially made me a college graduate. As I walked back to my seat, I had a million thoughts running through my head. It all seemed like a dream rather than reality. I felt like I had just moved into the dorms with my entire college career ahead of me. I thought about the amazing times and friends I had met along the way. I realized I was about to leave this place that I called “home”. Then another thought came across my mind- “Now what?”
Like many other college graduates, I plan to look for a job. With that thought, I realized how searching for a job has changed due to the Internet and social media.
Searching for a job today is different than 30 years ago. Back then looking for a job consisted of sending out your resume and cover letter by mail and looking in the classified section of the newspaper. Today its all done online. Most companies have a website where they list their current openings. Sending your resume out is now as easy as the click of your mouse. Websites like Monster and Jobster update openings daily. These websites allow you to search by profession, location and job level or allow you to post your resume. Search engines like Google also come into play while job searching by allowing you to search for a company or for companies located in a specific area that you would like to work in. The Internet makes looking for your dream job a whole lot easier than it was years ago.
Social media has also had an impact. Websites like Facebook and LinkedIn allow you to network with others. These websites can also have a negative impact on your job search. For example, on Facebook you are able to post pictures and write about interests. This makes it easier for potential employers to seek you out and learn more about you before they bring you in for an interview. If you have unprofessional information, a company may no longer be interested in you.
Trying to find the right job is a stressful time for anyone. I’m sure there are plenty of other recent grads like me who feel unsure of what’s ahead. Everything up to this point has been clearly laid out for me and now I have to decide what to do next. It’s been said that this country hasn’t faced a recession like this since the Great Depression. With the economy and job market the way that they are, I decided to do an internship at Eiler Communications to gain more experience in Public Relations while I look for the right job. Like they say; with every ending, there is a new beginning. I’ve had my ending and now I’m just waiting to find the right job for my new beginning.
Amanda Deluca
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