Pinterest For the Job Seeker

Jennifer Fry
Careerminds Consultant

Job seekers are told time and time again to make good use of their social networks during their career transition, so it only stands to reason that, upon the emergence of a new social media platform, job seekers would benefit from learning about and harnessing its potential.
Pinterest is the latest social media craze to take over the Internet, and it continues to grow in popularity at impressive rates. Between September 2011 and December 2011, the estimated number of unique visitors to the site increased by 429%, and it shows no signs of slowing down soon. The general purpose of the site is to “pin” items to your own virtual pinboards, each of which can be customized to any theme the user sees fit (i.e.: Places I’d Like to Visit, Favorite Recipes, Crafting Ideas, etc). Items can be pinned from virtually anywhere online using the handy “Pin It” bookmark link, or they can be re-pinned from other users’ pinboards. Users also have the option of sharing their pins on their Twitter feeds and/or Facebook Timelines.
So, the question you may be asking as this point is, ‘how can I use my pinboards to help my job search?’ Here are a few suggestions:

• Create a “Job Search Inspiration” pinboard. Maintaining good morale is an important component of the career transition process, so make use of your pinboards to keep yourself inspired and motivated. Pin some of your favorite quotes, reminders of why you do the work you do, tips for a balanced work/personal life, whatever you think will keep you going.
• Follow career experts and/or experts in your field. Job search pros offer advice on finding a job, different work styles, places to work, and other topics that can help you along your way. Additionally, following big names in your field will allow you to keep up with the latest news and potentially good advice specific to your area of interest.
• Create a “Resume” or “Personal Brand” pinboard. The ability to customize your pinboards to whatever you’d like allows you the opportunity to devote an entire pinboard or possible several pinboards to your job search materials. Pin your resume, portfolio samples, press clippings, awards and accomplishments, anything that will tell an employer that you’re a great choice for their company. Add links to this/these pinboard(s) on your business cards, resume, etc.

Just because a new social media platform has popped up doesn’t mean that you immediately need to jump on the band wagon or add yet another social network to your online presence, but if you find yourself wanting to get involved in the new Pinterest craze, consider how you can use your pinboards to develop professionally.

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Careerminds provides scalable, strategic solutions to organizations seeking affordable, web-based outplacement services. Using a Web 2.0 e-learning platform that delivers affordable, online career transition services, Careerminds provides a high-tech and high-touch blend of on-demand career transition education supported by senior-level career consultants to help displaced workers reenter the workforce quickly.