Part of good negotiation technique is knowing what your negotiation counterpart wants and needs. Social media sites provide an opportunity to find this necessary information. Using social media grants you access to many people, making it easier for you to find those whose backgrounds match yours; you can survey these people for information. When you find someone whose profile indicates they have done the job you are seeking, you could try the following sample query: I noticed in your profile that you workedas a PR assistant in health care. I have seen data that estimates PR assistant salaries from the low $30sup to the mid-$50s. (Note to reader: You want to give a range so the person knows you at least tried toget some information on your own. This range was provided by *** http://www.salary.com by searchingon public relations + New York, NY.) As an experienced PR person, is that what you have seen as well?
What most impacts where you fall on the range? Any insights you have would be greatly appreciated.
Many recruiters use social media, so you can also reach out to them and learn from their expertise in hiring people for jobs you are targeting. The following sample query is addressed to a recruiter who specializes in nonprofits, ideally children and arts related: I noticed in your profile that you specialize innonprofit children’s organizations (or arts organizations, as applicable). I am doing salary research onentry-level development (or programming, specify a functional area). (Note to reader: You need to notea specific level and function so that the recruiter knows what salary information to provide.) Becauseyou are active in this market, what have you seen as typical starting salaries? Does this vary widely?
Has this changed much over time? Any insights you have would be greatly appreciated.
Post a question about compensation via the Groups or discussion boards. Don’t forget to ask, not just about salary but also lifestyle, growth prospects, and all the components of your decision criteria. The following is a sample query to a Group or discussion relating to your target prospective industry and function: I am doing salary research on (specify functional area and level so that people know how torespond).What are the salary estimates for this area? Can anyone recommend resources or people toconsult for my salary research? Thanks so much!
The preceding sample queries are a template to show the bare minimum of information you want to share to elicit the data you want. Remember the social component of social media, so your queries and interactions should reflect your voice and engender rapport. Much like your cover letter, networking pitch, and other marketing correspondence, your social media correspondence should be customized to your personality, background, skills, experience, and your job search targets.
Another aspect of closing your offer is the reference check process. A reference check is when a prospective employer contacts someone who has worked with you or managed you, so that the person who is contacted can “reference,” or describe, your work and work characteristics. Social media posts will never be a substitute for a reference check, but LinkedIn does provide a Testimonials feature where people who have worked with you can provide comments on your work. Having a few of these testimonials in your profile can nudge a recruiter or employer who is looking at your background closer to your favor.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Social media sites are useful at all stages of the job search, not just for networking.
- People and organizational profiles provide information for your target selection, marketing, research, troubleshooting, and negotiation.
- Interactivity and continual updating of social media sites enable you to ask questions and get breaking news of trends, people’s statuses, and even job openings.
EXERCISES
- For each social media site you are using for your search, set aside some time and use the site for all steps of the job search, from finding new organization names to finding salary data.
- Make an activity list of how you will use social media for your search. If you are struggling to find organization names, make an effort to join Groups in the industry so you can see more profiles and possibly get names, or ask questions in the group to identify names. If you are struggling with marketing, review profiles and focus on what you like and don’t like about profiles of people doing your target job.
- If you are not comfortable using social media or not very active, can you find a tech-savvy friend who can be your job search buddy in this specific area?
- 1104 reads
