OMG- I Really Need a Job

By Gina Hughes

I recently went on November 04, 2010 to see a Steven Rothberg, CEO of College Recruiter, speak right here on campus at Hudson Hall. He was here to talk to the students about using social networking to find a job or an internship. I had to go for one of my communication classes. I thought it was going to be boring like some guest speakers and I was dreading having to go. Well, I definitely spoke too soon and I really enjoyed what he had to say. He was funny when he was speaking which kept my interest and also had a PowerPoint so there was constantly something to look at. I didn't know how important it was to be on almost all social networks and how much they can help you. Mr. Rothberg told us how important it is to have a Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn account and how important it is to blog. He told us that by blogging when companies Google our name after and interview that the things we write will come up. The company will be able to see some of your own writing samples. He told us about this one woman who blogged about how this company should hire her and they actually did, I was shocked. He also said that blogging is a good way to get rid of any "digital dirt" you may have. Mr. Rothberg told us that every time you blog it pushes anything that you may not want the company you are applying for to see. The more you blog anything that is out there that maybe embarrassing will be pushed down to page 17 for example. He also said that Facebook is important too. Companies like to see what you like to do. Though some companies say that they won't look at your Facebook, some actually do. They hire an outside company to do so. Some companies my like or dislike what you have on your Facebook, it all depends on the company. He said some companies won't hire you if your holding a beer in your hand because it shows that you are "partier" and other he said will hire you because it shows that you know how to have fun and be social. I also learned that it is vital to make a LinkedIn account. I didn't realize how important it is in finding a job. What LinkedIn is as he put it like a boring Facebook. You connect to people to know and then you are able to see who they know. That person could easily know someone at a company you want to work at and tell them about you or give them your e-mail. I know that I will make my LinkedIn account asap. Overall, this was a great event to attend. I really enjoyed it and learned the power of social networking in the work world.