Do you use hashtags in your job search? Hashtags are a great networking tool and they can be useful in finding job opportunities. But, how do they work and how do you use them? Learn the dos and don’ts of using hashtags with our guide below.

What are hashtags?

Hashtags are simply a label for content. With thousands of images and content posted on social media platforms every day, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. Hashtags help users who are interested in a similar topic find content on the same topic. Including a # in your posts, it can be indexed by the social network so that it can be discovered by everyone.

Why should you use hashtags?

Using hashtags means that your posts aren’t just limited to just your followers. Your content will now be opened up to every one of the social platform interested in that topic. Choosing the right hashtag will increase the reach of your posts but be careful not to use broad words for your hashtags. For example “#jobs is broad and probably a popular hashtag so the chances of people seeing your content is slim. However, adding something like #digitaljobs will give you better odds because it is more specific.

How can hashtags help your job search?

Find available jobs

A lot of companies uses social media platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram to find employees and they will often include hashtags. Search for hashtags related to job listings such as #jobsearch. To increase your chances search for specific hashtags such as the job role e.g. #webdeveloper, #uxdedesigner.

Promote your job search

You can use hashtags to help recruiters find you. Use hashtags that promote your job search. For example, if you are posting something that is related to your job search, include relevant hashtags such as #jobhunt. If you are posting articles on LinkedIn for example, including hashtags relevant to your industry. This is a great way to get potential employees to discover you.

Using hashtags to network

Even if you are not job hunting you should be using hashtags on platforms such as LinkedIn to find people in your industry to network with. Use hashtags to participate in conversations, find networking events, and connect with people that can help you with your career progression.

When you attend networking events, you will find that most of them will have hashtags that you can use when sharing photos and post at the event. Another great way to connect with other attendees of the event. And potential employees to discover you on social media.

Using hashtags for job searching

Before you start using hashtags for your job search, you should do some research. Look at the hashtags influential people in your industry are using and try to use them with you content. Make sure you are using hashtags that are used by people you want to be associated with. And always remember to make your hashtags relevant to the content you are posting. So don’t just stick on #jobhunting hashtags on a selfie or a photo of your dog.

You should think strategically about how you use hashtags and you should use them sparingly. You don’t want to go overboard with them. A good way to use them is to incorporate them into your content. 3 is the magic number. Aim to have 3 hashtags in your post. If you overdo it, it will look too overcrowded and unprofessional.

Hashtag examples

#JobSearch

#JobSearching

#Employment

#Careers

#CareerSuccess

#JobHunt

#Application

#CV

#TweetMyJobs

#JobTips