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Google+ and Your Job Search
If you’re not keenly tuned into social networking comings and goings, you may not have heard Google has a new social network, still in "invitation only" mode at this writing. Should you be using Google+? How can it help you with your job hunt?
How does it compare to other recommended networks, such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook? This infographic compares Google+ to Twitter and Facebook.
Social Media for Job Search
I believe there are three big reasons to use social media:
- To expand the number of people you know and who know you.
- To learn new information pertinent to your field from mentors and thought leaders, and
- To illustrate your expertise with a community of people who may connect you to opportunities based on learning about you and what you know.
Google+ allows users to accomplish all of these goals in similar ways to other networks, such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Google+ makes it very easy to open up pathways to connect with people you’ve never met and to engage in an in-depth conversation. This engagement compares, in many ways, to Twitter, where it is possible to connect, meet, and learn from people you don’t already know, without barriers requiring introductions.
Google+’s value add is the fact that Google controls much of search traffic. Any tie to being “found” online and any boost Google+ may provide gives this new network extra value.
Google+ Job Search Tips
Some important aspects about Google+ and tips for job seekers:
Your Google Plus Profile
You may already have a Google profile, but you probably never paid much attention to it! Be sure to set it up by visiting Google+ profiles, even before you start with Google+. Use the same avatar as in your other social networking profiles, and be sure to spend some time selecting a good description for your "Occupation," as Google uses it under your name as your "headline."
It’s important to optimize your profile so it’s easier to find you in search. Be sure to fill in all of the sections accurately, and write your Google profile so it is consistent with your other online profiles.
Circles
The major, lauded aspect of Google+ is the "circles" concept, which allows you to create groups of people, to share content with them, and to view content they share. If you don’t know how to find people to add to your circles, follow this tip from Kelly Dingee on Fistful of Talent. Go to Google and enter: {site:plus.google.com google}. Then include a keyword to help locate others in your field. Kelly suggests, for example: {site:plus.google.com google engineer}. Don’t include the { }s in your search. (This is tip # 8 in Job-Hunt's Googleize Your Job Search.)
Once you find some people to add to your circles, it is okay to look to see who they have in their circles and add people who suit your interests. It’s also fine to "circle" people who don’t circle you. This makes Google+ similar to Twitter, where it is acceptable to find and follow friends of your contacts, even if you don’t already have a relationship. Google+ will also suggest contacts for you.
You’ll probably keep personal and professional circles and want to label them accordingly. You may want circles for your closer contacts and circles for people whose information you value, but you don’t know well. If you’re looking for a job, maybe you’ll have a "Job Search Info" category.
This is similar, in some ways, to “groups” on Twitter. However, it allows you to both share content to the group AND see content from that group only. As of now, people cannot see what circles you put them in; they just know they are in one of your circles.
Sparks
This allows you to find content written about a topic you’d like to know more about. Google+ suggests several topics, for example, "Recipes," "Fashion," and "Andriod." You can search for keywords and uncover people sharing content that may be of interest.
The search is very limited and nothing like Google itself. It’s unclear how Google+ decides what to include in this section. You can "pin" your favorite finds from Sparks to save them for later. While you may find new content creators using this tool, otherwise, it is the least obviously useful aspect of Google+ for job seekers, as it doesn’t allow direct interaction or sharing, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it in case there are changes making it more "social."
Hangouts
Just click on the "Start a hangout" button on the right side of your screen. Clicking it opens up a chat window where you can check your mic and choose who will be able to join the hangout (either by inviting individuals or sharing it with your circles). Once the hangout is live, your friends will see the hangout prompt in their stream. They can then join the hangout until a maximum of ten people have joined.
Mashable reports on a new website, GPHangouts.com, which aggregates public hangouts on Google+. You can add your hangout there, and join in conversations with people in your field. These video chats are limited to 10 people, but this can certainly be an opportunity to either meet and get to know people in your field and/or start a "Hangout" and be a leader in your field.
Bottom Line
Google+ promises to be an important addition to social networking strategies, and job seekers should try to keep on top of opportunities to engage and grow their communities and to learn new information using these tools. For more general information about Google+, see Google's introduction to Google+ which includes videos as well as brief articles.
© Copyright Miriam Salpeter, 2011. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Miriam Salpeter is a Career Action Coach and Owner of Keppie Careers and author of Social Networking for Career Success. With a master’s degree from Columbia University and over 12 years of experience, her mission is to encourage, enlighten and empower job seekers and entrepreneurs for success. She teaches best practices to land great career opportunities and offers clients clarity, confidence, and social media know-how. You may follow her @Keppie_Careers and join her Facebook community for frequent updates.