Discovering Social was founded by myself and Sabrina Bakerof Acacia HR Solutionsand is designed to give job seekers in-depth training on major social media platforms and how to use them as part of their overall job search. Through a series of eBooks, webinars, workshops, newletters, case studies and individual coaching, job seekers gain knowledge and expertise that they can utilize in their daily lives. Presented by human resource, recruiting and social media experts, Discovering Social events are taking it to the next level.
Whether you are in transition, graduating college, or contemplating a career change, the way in which we used to look and or apply for jobs has changed.
No longer do you print massive copies of your paper resume, get in your car and drive all over town leaving your resume with the gatekeeper of an organization. Things have gone social and so it has with recruiting and headhunting (so to speak).
Companies are looking online for candidates and having an online personal brand is key these days.
If you are on the fence about social media and its use for job search consider this: Bullhorn Reachrecently released its “2012 Bullhorn Reach Social Recruiting Activity Report.” The report took a look at social media activity of recruiters and job seekers across the “big three” social networks — LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. According to the data compiled from over 35,000 recruiters:
98% of recruiters use LinkedIn, 42% use Twitter, and 33% use Facebook
48% of recruiters use LinkedIn exclusively meaning they use no other online or offline source to find candidates
Recruiters are actively building their followings: The average recruiter has 616 connections on LinkedIn, 245 on Facebook and 37 on Twitter.
According to SHRM, LinkedIn is the “suit and tie network” and Facebook is gaining interest for the more blue-collar jobs.
So you see, it’s imperative that folks use social media as a job search tool.
My partner in crime Sabrina Baker and I have come up with a way to address this growing trend and the myriad of job seekers that have no idea where to begin in even setting up their social profiles. Not to mention, that Twitter intimidates the hell out of them – and rightly so. Here’s a little about where we are headed:
We will begin our first Discovering Social Workshop for Job Seekers in the Chicagoland area on September 25 – 26 2012 in Downers Grove, IL. Our good friends atDevry University have so graciously agreed to host the event at their beautiful campus. Here’s a little more about the event:
In this interactive day and a half workshop, participants will learn about various social media platforms broken up into three main sessions. These sessions will cover the most popular sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Google+. Their learning will include key components of each platform, how to build a profile and how to interact with others. At the end of each session, attendees will get hands on experience using each site. Coaches will be present to help individuals who may need one-on- one assistance.
In addition to learning about and getting hands-on experience using the tools, job seekers will also have the opportunity to have their resumes reviewed by industry experts. A professional photographer will be on hand for any attendee needing a headshot to use in their online profiles.
For more info on this spectacular new endeavor, head on over to www.discoveringsocial.com. We’re both so excited and passionate about helping job seekers and in getting this thing off the ground. We appreciate all the support you guys have shown.
Happy Friday friends. Sabrina Baker and I got together to share what we are most looking forward to on our trip to SHRM12 in Atlanta. Yes, we are taking a road trip from Chicago and driving the 12 hour drive. Should be fun. Take a look >
Follow the back channel on Twitter with the hashtag #SHRM12 and follow us on Instagram at @SabrinaLBaker and @SusanAvello.
Tomorrow, Sabrina Baker and I, will be heading to the city to attend the IHRIM2012 Strategy and Technology Conference at the Chicago Hilton. We are attending as part of the press team. She will be LIVE blogging over at HR Chatterbox, and I will of course be LIVE blogging from the conference sessions over here at the Cafe. Follow the Twitter stream at #IHRIMConf or #IHRIM.
More here -
Stay tuned online, for some great info coming your way~
A few years back when I really started hot-n-heavy with my social media marketing and online presence I connected with a local group on LinkedIn. It is in that group that I first met Sabrina. She was holding a discussion or asking a question in which several of us responded. Then I connected with her online.
When I found out that she and I lived only about 5 minutes apart, I suggested that we meet for coffee. Yes, it was a little awkward at first (like we had connected on this dating site and were meeting IRL for the first time). But we had a nice lunch and had a great F2F meeting. We then connected on Twitter and started engaging on almost a daily basis, you know, shooting the shit! We really were able to get a sense of each others sense of humor, some things and even friends we had in common, and formed a genuine friendship.
After several conversations and meetings IRL, attending conferences together and local group meetups, we were almost inseparable (well, that’s my take on it – you’d have to ask her about where she stands)
Sabrina started her company Acacia HR Solutions and specializes in HR Recruiting, Consulting and Job Search Coaching bridging the gap between the un/underemployed and employers.
She is the shiznik folks, and you definitely need to connect with her. She is a wealth of knowledge in the HR and recruiting space, and also helps with people in their job search. Why don’t I her tell you about it here – Watch this short interview:
My apologies for a whole lotta shaking going on. It was filmed before I invested in my tripod.
We then went on to start a local HR Roundtable and here is Sabrina officiating – Watch this short clip:
I’m super stoked to have her featured as she has become one of my great friends and confidants.
Last week I had the opportunity to attend ILSHRM11 right here in Chicago. What a fantastic event! As if the ride there and back with Sabrina Baker wasn’t fun enough. (Here are the two of us blogging away on Twitter)
Starting off with a BANG! on Sunday night and a meetup with so many wonderful folks with whom I’ve had the pleasure of connecting online, meeting most of them at SHRM11 in Vegas a few months back, and meeting new friends at this fantastic conference and after hours events.
The conference speakers were outstanding, the food was fantastic, and the ILSHRM #hashtags were flying by at 90 to nothing on twitter.
Although I had never had the privilege of attending a statewide SHRM conference before, I heard from all the HR pros and speakers who attended this event that it was truly 1st Class, all the way. John Jorgensen and his team really went all out in making sure this event was first rate. Read his wrap-up on the conference HERE.
I am honored to have been selected as a benefit judge and in participating in this years BC/BS WOWIE awards where State Farm was honored as top employee benefit provider for the State of Illinois. KUDOS to them for providing extensive benefit’s in employee wellness.
I had a blast and most of the attendees cannot seem to stop ranting and raving on a job “Well Done.” I look forward to ILSHRM12 and I hear planning is already underway. Gonna be hard to top this years event, I’m sure.
I’d love to hear your comments on your experience.
