Can social media find you a job in Sweden?
Only last year, a Swedish man said he had found a flat, a job and a girlfriend on twitter. Most of us may not have such a long wish list, but finding work online doesn't have to be only a dream. Social media strategist Barry O'Brien shares his top tips with The Local's readers.
O'Brien, a Stockholm-based English CV and LinkedIn coach, helps business people in Sweden communicate effectively. Critics may think social media is a waste of time, full of juvenile trumpeting, an arena for look-at-me narcissists. Not so. It could, if you use it wisely, land you a job.
As a foreign-born entrepreneur, O'Brien advises social media users to create profiles in both Swedish and English to improve visibility.
"Recruiters search in both languages, so don't limit your chances of being found," the NGSM.se founder says.
IN PICTURES: Top ten tips for finding a job in Sweden using social media sites
While O'Brien doesn't rate social media site Facebook as a tool to find jobs or would-be employers, he tells The Local that it is important to tell your friends you are looking for work. And don't shy away from asking for advice from your friends.
"They know you and will want you to succeed," O'Brien says. "So they will help you out."
In short, there are three things you need to know: Whom you want to work for, why they would want to work with you, and which of the many social media sites is right for the two of you to find each other.
Also be aware of fluff, for example the "endorse" function on professional networking site LinkedIn. It is as meaningless as pushing the like button on Facebook, O'Brien says, because it doesn't add anything concrete to your profile. Instead, ask for recommendations.
TOP TEN TIPS: How to tweet, post, network, and pin your way to career success in Sweden
Ann Törnkvist
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O'Brien, a Stockholm-based English CV and LinkedIn coach, helps business people in Sweden communicate effectively. Critics may think social media is a waste of time, full of juvenile trumpeting, an arena for look-at-me narcissists. Not so. It could, if you use it wisely, land you a job.
As a foreign-born entrepreneur, O'Brien advises social media users to create profiles in both Swedish and English to improve visibility.
"Recruiters search in both languages, so don't limit your chances of being found," the NGSM.se founder says.
IN PICTURES: Top ten tips for finding a job in Sweden using social media sites
While O'Brien doesn't rate social media site Facebook as a tool to find jobs or would-be employers, he tells The Local that it is important to tell your friends you are looking for work. And don't shy away from asking for advice from your friends.
"They know you and will want you to succeed," O'Brien says. "So they will help you out."
In short, there are three things you need to know: Whom you want to work for, why they would want to work with you, and which of the many social media sites is right for the two of you to find each other.
Also be aware of fluff, for example the "endorse" function on professional networking site LinkedIn. It is as meaningless as pushing the like button on Facebook, O'Brien says, because it doesn't add anything concrete to your profile. Instead, ask for recommendations.
TOP TEN TIPS: How to tweet, post, network, and pin your way to career success in Sweden
Ann Törnkvist
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