Week 5 EOC: Social Networks and Job Hunting

Back in the day, many people got the latest news on products and employment by word of mouth or the newspaper. Nowadays, it’s all about social networking. With this modern day technology of computers and smart phones, the presence of social networks has tremendously impacted the way people work or find work. One way people use social networking for work is by promoting new products. This can either be done by someone who works for the company or by brand ambassadors chosen by the company. For instance, when Sony launched its new Sony GPS camera, they needed people to see it being used and what it could be used for. “Out of 2,000 or more online applicants, Sony picked only 25 brand ambassadors. The ambassadors were given a free camera and other equipment along with lessons on how to use them. They were then encouraged to show the camera to friends, associates, and anyone else who asked; hand out discount coupons; and blog weekly about their travel and picture-taking adventures on a dedicated Sony microsite.’ (http://digitalbookshelf.artinstitutes.edu/books/9780558851903/id/ch05box01) With this strategy, Sony exposed its product in an attractive light that made people excited about the camera.

Another way people use social networks for work is by searching for jobs online rather than looking for ads in the newspaper or going store to store asking if they’re hiring. One social network that has made a noticeable difference in online job hunting is the massive site, Facebook. Now, facebook is offering apps and making it easier for employers to recruit and hire people searching for jobs. Now, companies are spending less on job boarding and finding that people find Facebook’s easy access simple and efficient. Mr. Staney, who is a talent acquisition Web strategy manager for VMare, noticed that “Facebook users tend to spend more time on the service and are easier to reach than LinkedIn (online job hunting site) users..” and that “the number of monthly active users on its Facebook page more than tripled” (Job Recruiters Turn to Facebook to Find Candidates - WSJ.com). As the power of social networks increase, the work environment will continue to be influenced and thus evolve.