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 Boston – About half of all job-seekers will either slack off or put their searches on hold during the summer. However, people who continue to be active can have an edge over others, and those who adapt social media to a summertime job search will have an even greater advantage, according to ClearRock Inc., an executive coaching, leadership development and outplacement firm headquartered in Boston.
 
ClearRock offers this advice on using social media in a summertime job search:

•       Offer to give and receive LinkedIn recommendations from colleagues, former employers and coworkers. "They may be more likely to give recommendations due to the decreased workload and slower summer pace. A good way to get this in motion is to proactively propose to give recommendations first," said Laura Poisson, senior vice president with ClearRock Inc.

•       Provide introductions to your contacts and any other assistance. "Reach out to people in your network, especially those who may be able to aid you in your search, and ask them if they need an introduction to any of your contacts, as well as whether you can help them with anything," said Poisson.

•       Arrange face-to-face networking meetings. "Use LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to ask for in-person networking meetings. It may be easier to meet in person during the summer with people who were too busy earlier in the year," said Poisson.

•       Get inside information on potential employers. "Locate a connection at a targeted employer through social media who can give you the latest details about their needs and the types of people they are looking for," said Poisson.

•       Line up opportunities to volunteer. "Use social media to connect with places where you can volunteer during the summer. In addition to improving your network, volunteering can help fill a resume gap, and give people thinking about switching careers useful experience in jobs where they currently lack the necessary skills or credentials to be hired for paid positions. Volunteering to serve on the board of directors of nonprofit groups can introduce you to a higher level of contacts," said Poisson.

•       Work on building a better social media brand. "Use the summer to develop a compelling online brand for yourself that defines the areas in which you specialize and distinguishes you from others. Ensure that you are using the best professional headline that highlights the full range of what you can do and the value you can bring," said Poisson.

•       Host or invite current and desired contacts to leisure activities. “Organize or invite people to picnics, barbecues, beach parties, golf, tennis, and other summertime leisure activities. These are a great way to relax, have fun, and update and expand your network," said Poisson.


About ClearRock, Inc.
ClearRock, Inc. is a Boston-based leadership development, executive coaching, and outplacement firm that is recognized for bringing best-in-class offerings to the coaching process. We offer developmental coaching for high-potential managers and executives; new-leader coaching for newly hired or recently promoted managers and leaders; performance coaching to help managers and executives become more effective, and outplacement coaching through a combination of a “high touch” career transition assistance and comprehensive “high tech” resources.

Our coaches and consultants have decades of experience, and our customized approach factors in everything from career goals and organizational objectives to client and consultant/coach compatibility. We tailor action plans for every organization and individual we work with, and our track record speaks for itself – numerous advancements for our coachees, rapid re-employment for our outplacement candidates, and long-lasting client relationships. For more information, visit www.clearrock.com.