Social media is key to job searches, especially for new graduates. If you have a new graduate looking for their first job, here are tips and common mistakes to avoid for job seekers, especially new graduates.

The first thing I recommend a job seeker do is create a résumé. There are plenty of templates available including CyberLife Tutors Sample Resume Format. Include relevant leadership roles, volunteer work and participation in organizations. Achieving Eagle Scout rank is impressive, especially to a hiring manager who is also a former scout. Be sure to spell check and ask someone else to give it the once over. Hiring managers will quickly toss out a résumé with errors.

Invest in one nice suit, dress or slacks and top for interviews. You can wear the same outfit every time, hiring managers will not know the difference. Your clothing style should reflect the company you interview with. Ideally, you blend in with employees. For jobs in conservative industries like banking, a white shirt and dark-colored suit is appropriate.

Keep a stack of thank you notes and stamps in the car. While still in the parking lot after the interview, hand write a note to the interviewer thanking them for their time. Express your desire to work at the company and let them know you look forward to hearing from them soon. Very few job seekers take this steps and you will stand out from the crowd. Address and stamp the envelope then drop it off at the post office on your way home.

Company’s will investigate your online presence. Sign out of all your email accounts and search for your name in Google and Bing. You may see different results in each site. Use quotes around your name “april m williams” to narrow your search results. Also look for variations of your name (William, Bill, Billy). Closely look for any negative references, even if they don’t refer to you. This is what a prospective employer will see and they cannot tell from the search results it the person is you or someone else.

Social media plays a big part in job searches today. Be sure your Facebook pages and other sites don’t contain career limiting comments, pictures or video. There is no “private” on the internet. Most states still allow companies to ask for your social media passwords so employers can look at your account. You do not have to allow this though the company may not continue with the interview process.

The best way to combat negative results it to create positive results through social media and blogs. I work with people in career transition and businesses to effectively market themselves through social media. One cost-effective step to build your online reputation is to create a free WordPress blog and write a short 200-400 word article every day directed to your target audience. This returns positive search engine results and creditability quickly.

Don’t wait to get started on your job search. The longer you are out of school, the bigger the gap on your résumé gets. While you are job hunting, volunteer for a charitable organization of your choice so you have something positive to respond to the “What have you been doing this summer?” question. “Hitting the beach,” is not a desirable answer.

Build your connections and let others know you are in the job market. The more specific you are about your desired role, the better your results will be. You never know who can help you. Just ask.

CyberLife Tutors offers career coaching and business social media programs in McHenry County. Social media includes strategy, implementation, coaching and training. For information on upcoming programs and events, visit our calendar at http://www.cyberlifetutors.com/calendar . Email April M. Williams or call 414-502-7745 for more information.