Social media redefines the “Remember me” box

The 99th week of my unemployment was also the week of my first day in a new job. I won the remember me game. I think of this as I log onto Biznology’s site to post this blog. Beneath my secure sign-in panel for ID and password, I read the following question. Remember me? It is innocuous. A harmless inquiry with a box that, if checked, will prompt the site to remember my log-in information so I do not have to.

I wrote several posts for Biznology. Possibly you read them. If you have, you may remember me. I love writing, however, freelance writing, as many bloggers understand, will not pay the bills, unless that writer is well remembered, read by many, and in great demand. My readership is not yet there–someday. Therefore, I was a job seeker. Writers want to be remembered, and so do job seekers. They need to be remembered.
Nevertheless, back to winning the remember me game. Like millions of job seekers, I had to get potential employers to remember me, or at least to get my resume noticed and cover letters read, my number phoned, my interview achieved, and, of course, an offer received. In today’s economy, where the traditional job seeking norms have changed and hundreds of resumes are received for each job posting, I advocate social networking to increase the chances of being selected. In my last post, “I need a job, so chat me up,” I gave my top ten list of how a job seeker can increase their professional network or connect to a prospective employer through social media. I used all ten.
My main surprise using social networking in my job search was that to this day, I never met face-to-face with the key individual who helped me connect through his network to my eventual employer. My key contact writes a popular newsletter for B2B marketing. I subscribed and in one issue, he invited readers to connect with him on a popular social site. I did. He accepted my invitation and we periodically exchanged communication. On several occasions, I had need of his business contacts and I would send a pleasant email, “Hey, Paul, remember me?” He remembered me and always helped. I always thanked him.

Image by red5standingby via Flickr

Here are a few points to think about regarding social networking in a job search. First, go back and read the top ten list in my post, “I need a job, so chat me up” (really, I just want to increase my hit rate). Two, reread my opening line above– in the 99th week of unemployment, I started my new job–see #10 in my list. I found my opportunity through social networking and my social network extended beyond my comfort zone of family, friends and past-colleagues.
If you are a job seeker, ponder what it is that you are bringing to new relationships that will help others to remember you. Stay connected with people you meet through social networks–not necessarily everyone–those with whom you would consider becoming associates, friends or have common interests. When you can help others, do so, whenever you can, for no reason and without expectations. Ask if your network can help. If you never ask, you will never know.
Remember me!