Social media lets you remain connected with people you otherwise might have fallen out of touch with. Sometimes these can be very casual contacts -- people you only infrequently interact with -- while other times you might become even closer with someone by learning about shared interests.
Sites including Facebook (NASDAQ: FB), Twitter (NYSE TWTR), and LinkedIn (which is owned by Microsoft), let you create bonds with people. That could mean finding out someone you met at a business conference also loves Bruce Springsteen, or has the same favorite television show as you.
No matter how you connect on social media, the people you know online can help you in real life. You can leverage those connections to do anything, from figuring out where to eat when you visit a new city to helping you land your next job.
Social media connections can help you land your next job. Image source: Getty Images.
Be social
Before asking for something on social media from your friends/connections, you should establish yourself as helpful. Answer other people's questions and help out whenever possible. If you can make a work connection for someone else or help them land an interview, do so.
If you're an active part of your community it makes it easier to ask for help yourself. Be willing to put yourself out there and try to actively help others when you don't need anything in return. Basically, be a good citizen and build up credibility for when you need to use it.
Activate your network
If you're broadly looking for a job (and aren't worried about a current employer finding out) go public with your search. Tell your network what you're looking for and ask for help making connections. Be specific. It's better to post "I'm looking for a pharmaceutical sales position for someone with seven years of experience" than "I'm looking for a job."
If there are specific people you know through social media that might be able to help you, reach out personally. Send a brief message with your request, making it clear that it's fine if they can't help you.
Use platforms appropriately
Facebook and Twitter are broad social platforms. They are places where you can put the word out and where you can communicate with people you may actually know in real life. They're not platforms built around getting a job -- that's where LinkedIn comes in.
LinkedIn is specifically built around jobs. It not only has actual job ads, but it's a place where you might be able to leverage your connections to meet people at companies you may want to work with.