Whether you are new to social media or have been using it for a while, have you been using using social media effectively in your job search?

Social media can provide you with a great tool to interact with people and companies you otherwise wouldn’t be, connect with new people, learn about new fields, companies of interest, and show your knowledge in specific fields.

Perhaps the first thing you want to do on social media is let your followers and connections know that you are looking for a new opportunity. If you can be specific about what you are looking for all the better. Let them know what kind of job you have in mind, industry etc. Make it easier for them to help you. They may not know of an opportunity right away but will keep you in mind if they hear of one.

Follow companies that you are interested in on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. You will be able to learn more about them and about opening opportunities. You can also use the knowledge you gather in your interview.

It is quite easy to engage and communicate with industry and thought leaders on Twitter, just start following them. Join industry chats to stay up-to-date on the field, meet new contacts and showcase your expertise. Follow them on Twitter, re-tweet their tweets and make knowledgeable responses.

Join groups of interest on LinkedIn, become an active member to interact with others on the group, learn and make new connections.

Join Amanda Fakhreddine, a former reporter turned social media marketing innovator, to learn How to Use Social Media to Empower You in Your Job Search.

Miki Feldman Simon, Founder & CEO IamBackatWork