Most job seekers I talk to rely solely on LinkedIn as their main online tool for finding contacts for their job search and being found by decision makers. LinkedIn is a fabulous resource, but Google+ can be used to supplement a job seeker’s strategy and open new doors that could be challenging to open when relying exclusively on the power of LinkedIn. Here are five reasons why job seekers shouldn’t ignore Google+ and why it’s a viable platform that can be integrated into a search campaign.
Google+ is a social network built by the company that’s held the rank of the #1 search engine for years. Updates become visible to the public via a simple Google search. Posting updates can help position you as a thought leader in your field and a desirable candidate.
Google+ is a social network indexed by Google. Its main function is to make it easy for people to discover you. Google actively searches Google+ for content others might be looking for. This gives you an opportunity to get information to your audience and build a strong digital footprint. Most hiring managers and recruiters Google candidates before they ever call them in for an interview. By creating a profile/bio on Google+ you take control of your professional identity and make it easier for people to find you. Google+ profiles will rank high in the search engines when people Google you.
YouTube is integrated with Google and is the #2 search engine. Using YouTube enhances the social aspects of Google+ and opportunities to share. When you comment on YouTube videos that are relevant to your professional identity, these comments can also be posted on Google+. And if you create YouTube videos to showcase your expertise, these videos can be linked to on your Google+ page.
The barrier to entry on Google+ is much lower than on LinkedIn where someone must accept you as a connection or friend. On Google+ you can add anyone. This means it may be easier to connect with someone on Google+ than on LinkedIn where you have to generally prove you have some sort of relationship with a contact in order to connect.
You can see who is following whom on Google+ unlike Facebook and LinkedIn where you need to be a friend or connection. This can make it easier to source decision makers and widen your professional circles.
