You might be thinking about making a new career move or you could be in the midst of a job search looking for ways to uncover new opportunities. Either way, Pinterest could be just what you need to help you generate ideas.
Even though Pinterest is somewhat new to the social media scene beginning in 2010, it has since grown to be a significant part of the landscape, with over a 100 million visits a month. It now ranks third as the most popular social media site, according to Experian’s 2012 Digital Marketer Report.
The idea behind Pinterest was to give a platform for those interested in sharing topics and tips with members, much like pinning photos on a bulletin board. It is designed for those who want to express themselves by sharing their collections of interests with others. Pinterest continues to evolve over time and as its popularity grows, so does the way in which online boards are used to express personal and business brands.
It’s no surprise that part of a successful job search is built upon networking, the exchange of information and ideas that uncovers hidden jobs and connects you with those who share common interests. The unique platform that Pinterest offers is one reason to consider using it in your job search — to expand your personal marketing brand, share pins with members and identify employers of interest.
Career Portfolios
The need to distinguish your background from other candidates is a crucial step in generating attention. One way to do that is by creating a career digital portfolio. The visual display of your skills, abilities and knowledge helps support your career goals and gives another dimension to the hiring decision-maker. Pinning your portfolio, resume or value statements allows you to connect with members in a professional way combined with a personal touch. Pinterest is a great way to develop a social resume, giving the reader more depth and knowledge about your background.
Professional Image
Employers look for candidates who will represent them in the marketplace and using good judgment is part of the selection process. The same rule of thumb that holds true to other social media platforms fits into Pinterest as well. Even though you are free to create, be mindful in projecting a professional image. Use good taste when pinning topics of interest or expressing philosophical statements. Your board can send both a verbal and non-verbal message to a potential employer.
Looking the part by dressing professionally is part of your job search as well and fashion boards on Pinterest can offer you ideas regarding work attire. The images and content shared can help you update your professional appearance.
Research
Conducting research on companies and studying new trends gives you a glimpse into work cultures and helps you develop connection points to use when networking. Using Pinterest as part of your research offers a different view of the employer outside of their corporate website. If you are thinking about a new career field, collecting pins from a variety of sources provides you with a diverse view of what it’s like to work in a specific industry.
What are your thoughts about using Pinterest in your job search?
