It’s no doubt that Pinterest has changed the likes of home decorating, weddings, and personal wardrobes across the country since the sites launch three years ago. The pinning site, which has accumulated a little over 10 million members, can be used for much more than planning a baby shower. It can be utilized to advance your personal brand, online presence, and aide in your job search. While Pinterest may not be on the verge of replacing the popular career networking site LinkedIn, we’ve put together are some ways to use the site to help you get a job.
- Pin a portfolio of your visual work. If you are a photographer, graphic artist, fashion designer or illustrator with a portfolio of work, Pinterest may be your best friend. The site will let you showcase your talents quickly and easily. In addition, if you have a less visual career Pinterest can serve as an inspiration. Create boards that are related to your professional life, for example if you’re a teacher, create boards that may influence lesson plans down the road, these all build your online presence. While it may be unlikely that a potential employer will stumble upon your portfolio on Pinterest, it’s even less likely that they will accidentally find your personal blog or website. On the plus side, Pinterest can link the two, so if by chance someone did find your work, they’d be able to come find you.
- Pin your resume. While there may be thousands of resumes on Pinterest, one more won’t hurt. In addition, create a resume board of resumes that influence you. Combining format ideas that have worked for other people and developing them with your own personal style will not only perfect your resume, it will set you apart from the cookie cutter resumes employers see day to day.
- Follow industry trends. If influential people within your industry are using Pinterest, it’s a good sign that you should be too. Following people within your industry and learning from how and what they are pinning let you best learn their practices.
- Show off your passions. If your passionate about your career employers can tell. Pin your peers work that you appreciate, articles that relate to your talent or anything else inspires or motivates you – quotes, photos or people.
- Promote your blog or website. Similar to what we mentioned above, using Pinterest to increase your online presence is key. Use the site to promote blog posts, infographics you may have created, or stimulating blog posts you’ve written. Pinterest offers potential employers an outlet to find your work and connect it with a face, a name, a personality and contact information.
Pinterest is quick and easy and you don’t need to spend hours filling out blog posts or creating profiles, but as true with all social media, remember keep your account on Pinterest professional and personable. Utilize the privacy options and keep in mind you never know who may come across your account.
Source: Social Media Today
