Student Social Networking Tips for Summer Jobs

If someone does a favour for you, be sure to be grateful.

It’s summer job hunting season. Whether it’s for your first big career break or a summer job, you need to be smart about using networking sites.

You’re young, so you may not have as much practice as other people out there. But that’s Ok. Just follow the advice of Max Messmer, author of Job Hunting For Dummies, to come off confident and ready to work.

1. Clean up your Facebook page:

You can have a great interview, but you don’t want an incriminating picture or posting on social media to cost you a job. “Remove indiscriminate photos and questionable content from social media sites, blogs and chats. Think strategically about what you share, post and tweet going forward,” said Messmer.

2 . Fill in the blanks:

Don’t sign up for social networking sites like LinkedIn without filling out a complete profile. “An incomplete profile is a missed opportunity,” said Messmer.

3. Typos are big no-nos:

Yes, your resume needs to be perfect, but so do your emails and texts. Don’t’ get too casual and drop a “LOL” or “OMG” in correspondence, no matter how casual it’s been so far.

4. Pay it forward:

If someone does a favour for you, be sure to be grateful. “You won’t get far if you inundate contacts with requests but rarely return the favour,” said Messmer. Be gracious when asking for help, offer prompt appreciation and look for ways to reciprocate.

5. Properly prepared for online meetings and interviews:

Messmer also advises that you safeguard against technical difficulties with your web cam or cell phone. “Before a video meeting, do a trial run with a friend to make sure your webcam and microphone are working properly. This also will help you fix any lighting issues or distracting background elements.”

“For phone interviews, make sure you have a strong cell signal if you don’t have access to a landline.”

6. Be smart with your smartphone:

It’s also crucial that you know how to use your cell phone before, during and after a job interview. “Loudly chatting on the phone or listening to your iPod as you wait for the interviewer is inconsiderate. While it should go without saying, never respond to a call or text message during the actual interview,” said Messmer.
“And don’t text a hiring manager after the meeting — pick up the phone or send an email if you haven’t heard back within a couple of weeks.”