Social media has become an important tool when job searching. Most jobs come through networking and not by applying on job boards or aimlessly sending out CVs. Social media tools make networking easier and much more powerful due to their interactive nature. When a job seeker learns how to use social networking well their chances for finding opportunities multiply exponentially. Hiring managers and recruiters are using social media more and more to research candidates: 80% use LinkedIn and 50% can determine whether a candidate's personality is a good fit for their company by viewing that person's social media presence. If you really want to use social media to land your dream job then you need to expand your online presence beyond the basics. A CV will state your skills but a profile on a social media site can demonstrate your passion, your personality and your uniqueness - Known as Personal Branding.
Additional information about this course
This course is free for all students in the Greater London area claiming benefits or on low incomes
Course aim
Discover how the use of social media can aid networking and exploring local employment opportunities.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Identify the benefits of networking on and offline
- Setup three social media accounts with effective profiles: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
- Develop a Personal Brand
- Establish a notable online presence
- Find work by searching social media
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
- You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
- You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
What else do I need to know?
- It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)
- Laptops will be provide but please bring a pen and paper
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading is required but research on the subject on the internet or in the library may be helpful
- It is recommended that you buy a copy of "Job Searching with Social Media for Dummies" 2nd edition by Joshua Waldman. Through Amazon, eBay or bookshops.
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member
- You could progress to Higher Education courses. Follow link to the PEARL website for information http://pearl.open.ac.uk/
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet
