- YES Launches New Social Media Program Designed to Help Youth Find Work
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TORONTO, June 27, 2011 /CNW/ - The latest youth unemployment rates paint
a bleak picture. In May, it was 13.9 per cent, double the national
average of 7.4 per cent. Compounding this, the period of time spent out
of work is getting longer making it even harder to find a job or
rebound from unemployment. According to Youth Employment Services YES
in Toronto, in 2009, 363 of their young clients remained out of work or
school for 12 months or more. In 2010, that number jumped to 1,096. In
response, YES has come up with new ways to help young people break
through in the challenging job market.
Networking has always been an important strategy to find a job. Today,
networking has a new definition. Social media is fast becoming an
essential job-hunting tool for the younger generation even those with a
high school diploma or less. Many employers are also using social media
as an affordable way to recruit staff. To meet this growing need, YES
is developing a program on how to find a job using social media and
online tools.
"The traditional approach of developing a resume, writing a cover
letter, dropping off or submitting your resume to companies and job
banks is still very important for a job search," said Nancy Schaefer,
President of Youth Employment Services YES. "But in the digital era we
need to find new ways to complement the search. Social media is just
one more tool to help young people network, learn about employers and
find a job."
The program covers various topics including how to use social media to
network and search out hidden jobs as well as tips on how to create an
online resume.
YES offers the following advice on how to use social media to find work:
Increase Online Presence: Being active online can generate visibility and attract the attention of
potential employers but it's important to consistently brand yourself.
Subscribe to blogs related to the field of interest and find out if
potential employers have a blog. Leave comments on relevant posts and
be sure to post your name and blog link so others can find you.
Watch What You Say Online: Employers may look online to learn about a potential hire. Inappropriate
comments or photos could put a job opportunity at risk. Review your
privacy settings to protect yourself.
Create an Online Resume: A digital/online resume goes beyond telling what a person has done and
shows their skills and talents. The online portfolio can display work
such as a series of articles, graphics or websites that demonstrate the
applicant's work. This can easily be shared through social networking
tools. Ensure that the online resume has searchable keywords that
include job titles, qualifications, professional associations, etc.
Network: Conduct a people search instead of a job search. Use tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Pipl, LinkedIn, PeekYou or Google
to find people who work for, or used to work for, the desired
companies/organizations. Join online communities and groups to connect
with like-minded people and potential employers. Many youth are using
such sites as LinkedIn to post resumes, join groups, ask for
recommendations from previous employers and search job listings in the
area.
Download Job-finding Apps: There are many job search engines that have smart phone applications
which can help to quickly locate jobs within a set radius and allow the
job searcher to read about the job, call the hiring manager and apply
for the job right from the Smart Phone.
Meet In Person: Social media is a great introduction but take advantage of opportunities
to meet face-to-face.
While social media is a popular tool, it is important to remember that
not all employers are using social media to recruit staff so it is wise
to combine both traditional and non-traditional job search methods. Be
sure to apply in the manner that is requested or that suits the job or
industry. To learn more about finding a job using social media, contact
Youth Employment Services YES or visit www.yes.on.ca.
Founded by The Rotary Club of Toronto in 1968, Youth Employment Services
YES is Canada's very first youth employment organization.
Internationally recognized as a Centre of Excellence in Youth
Employment, YES leads the sector by providing programs designed to
address the most critical issues facing today's youth- unemployment.
Modelled on the three themes of Employment, Empowerment and
Entrepreneurship, YES helps young people to change their lives and
believe in a future filled with hope and opportunity. For more
information on YES visit www.yes.on.ca
