By George LaRocque
The Value of Google+ There is a lot of debate over the value of Google’s social network, Google+. Thought-leaders and “early-adopters” in the HR Technology space rushed to evaluate it upon its release in mid-2011. They then panned it based on its lack of features in comparison to Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as its cumbersome integration of other Google Apps/Products. They were in good company. This seemed to be the consensus beyond our HR Technology bubble and was mirrored in mainstream tech media as well.
That was then…
That was in 2011. In 2013, the Google+ story is one of great potential and increasing momentum. Google has remained committed to Google+ and has continued to invest in both new features, and better integration to core Google Apps/Products.
If you’re a jobseeker – or anyone – who benefits from professional networking you should be on Google+. The key phrase is “professional networking”. In its current form, Google+ provides more of a platform for the professional networker, or highly technically savvy jobseeker.
The Users
In terms of user numbers, both total and active, Google+ is now the #2 Social Network, surpassing Twitter and closing in on Facebook, according to a recent Global Web Index Report. It is by far the fastest growing Social Network. At the time the GWI report was written, Google had more than 340 million users. Based on its trending growth rate, it is projected to currently be approaching 600 million users.
The Integrations!
Considering that Google+ integrates all of Google’s Apps/Products across their Android Mobile platform, their ubiquitous Gmail platform, and their flagship Search it’s poised to provide a depth of resources for the jobseeker now, and in the future. When you then consider that employers will increasingly look to leverage the Google+ platform to reach jobseekers and bolster their overall Search Engine Optimization (SEO) rankings, Google+ is a must for the networking-oriented jobseeker or professional networker.
6 Things You NEED to DO
So, what are the top 6 things you can do on Google+ to build your network and enhance your job search?
1. Create and Optimize Your Google+ Profile. If you do nothing else, have a complete and up to date profile on Google+ so that you can be found. Online profiles are quickly replacing the resume as the “currency” for the job search, and they are the currency for the online networker. As Google+ usage continues to grow rapidly you can be sure that employers will continue to use it as a source to find talent. Represent yourself using “keywords” and industry terms that will help you be found for the roles you are looking for.
2. Join Google+ Communities That Are Relevant and Interesting To You. Google+ launched Communities in December. So, they are fairly new, yet already experiencing prolific growth. Communities are Google+’s take on groups or forums, where users share content specific to a topic. There are communities related to seemingly everything. You can search for communities related to jobs in your industry or discipline. Joining these will give you access to active job searches. You can also search for communities specific to your industry, skillset, or discipline – and contribute there in order to build your personal brand in the space. Joining these will also give you exposure to thought leaders, hiring companies, recruiters, etc. that will extend your network.
3. Extend Your Google+ Circles. Google+ allows you to create and organize other Google+ users into “Circles”. Circles allow you to follow those in the circles, and share information with them. You can add any Google+ user to a Circle. This allows you to create targeted Circles of employers you would like to network yourself into, or industry thought leaders, recruiters, etc. Whereas Communities give you information on broad topics and the opportunity to share information to large numbers of people, Circles gives you control over who you follow and what you share with them.
4. Share Interesting and Valuable Content. Once you’ve created your Circles and joined targeted Communities, share content that contributes to the conversation. Whether it’s links to articles that you find interesting, or your own thoughts on topics, the information you share may get you noticed by people with the opportunities you are interested in.
5. Ask Good Questions. When I was a recruiter preparing candidates for interviews, I would tell them that good questions went further than most statements in an interview. I think the same is true in any online forum. Content can get you noticed, but a good question gets people to engage with you, gets you added to their circles, and can demonstrate your expertise on any given issue/topic.
6. Stay With It. Google+ isn’t a job board. You aren’t submitting a resume and waiting for a response. This is why I believe it’s more suited for the networking-oriented jobseeker or the professional networker. Standing out in a social network like Google+ takes a commitment of time and dedication to your search/network. Don’t fake it. Be genuine and pursue topics and content that you’re passionate about – It will be easier for you to stay with it longer and really build up your personal brand.
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