Social Media Networking can lead to careers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  While many Airmen maintain social media accounts to connect with friends, a new course being offered by the Airman and Family Readiness Center teaches how to establish an online presence to compete for jobs.

Many of these Airmen have social networking accounts such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter which are used to connect with friends and trend topics of interest.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center hosted the first Professional Social Media Networking course Jan. 14 with hopes to expand Airmen's marketability.

"This is about helping people transitioning out of the military lifestyle get jobs using social networking," said Selina Lyle, A&FRC Military Work-Life consultant. "Not everyone wants federal employment. When you're getting out of the military and you've been secured for six to 20 years, it can be a very different experience going to the civilian work side."

There are networking benefits to using social media to land a job interview, but potential employers are also paying attention to social media.

"Employers are looking to see what you're posting, what you're trending, who you're following, what you're doing and are you the kind of person they want representing their brand," Lyle said. "Present the image that you want to present the employer."

However, there are major pitfalls for those who keep a professional and a personal social networking profile.

"You have to be careful of how you use social media," said Rod Miller, A&FRC community readiness consultant. "For example, you can't be a party animal on your Facebook profile and a business professional on LinkedIn. Employers may search for you. If you have compromising pictures or are affiliated with the wrong kind of group, you may not get that job."

Miller also advises people to be careful of what they post on the internet, since nothing can be taken back once posted. Furthermore, more potential employers are using social media to give interviews.

"A traditional interview could cost an [employer] half an afternoon and the company would have to pay for transportation," Miller said. "Now it can all be done online."

The Exchange at Barksdale is no exception.

"You apply online on the same website where you shop," said Lisa Dowden, Exchange human resources manager. "You build a profile [online] and anytime there is a position open, you can attach your profile to it."

By giving participants an orientation to social media to obtain job offers, separating Airmen and their families have another avenue to reach their career goals.

Chief Master Sgt. Don Foster, Air Force Global Strike Command vehicle maintenance command functional manager, made his first steps into the social media networking realm.

"This class introduced me to other mediums I was unfamiliar with," he said. "I'd also recommend this class to first-term Airmen who want to transition out of the military."

Those who wish to be a part of future social media networking classes can attend the next class Feb. 4 and register by calling the A&FRC at 456-8400.