How to Use Social Media to Get a Job at Microsoft

On March 13, 2019

Social media has its advantages and drawbacks. Businesses use LinkedIn frequently for marketing their products and services, searching for potential employees, and networking with professionals in their industry. By now most people looking for job, especially in the tech industry, know well that having a professional LinkedIn profile with a professional photo is a must. In case you are wondering what Microsoft recruiters are looking for, check out this article in which three Microsoft recruiters share their advice and best practices on how to grab Microsoft’s attention through social media.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Here are some of the highlights with my comments, but you have to check out the article for more details.

Setting up profiles on LinkedIn and Twitter, and GitHub (for programming jobs) is important in getting Microsoft’s attention.
If you don’t have a professional photo in your profile, you’re basically wasting your time because your chances of getting a job are slim if you like to be anonymous.
Microsoft wants to know about your professional interests, they are not interested in your hobbies.
In your profile be specific about your interests and passion so Microsoft doesn’t have to guess what you are capable of.
Mention your greatest selling points and your experience.
Search for people at Microsoft who are in the same field as you to get some ideas and then create your own LinkedIn profile based on that so your profile can be attractive to the hiring managers.
Recruiters search for keywords so make sure your profile includes the keywords that they might be looking for.
Ask your colleagues for endorsements.
Keep your skills up to date.
Including your location is extremely important so make sure your positions with various employers include the location.
Think before you post something on the social media. Your spouse and family members are not the only one who are going to read what you post. Are your postings appropriate for the hiring managers or could they be embarrassing? If your posting is not appropriate in a professional setting, don’t post. Period! This applies not just to LinkedIn, but also to Twitter and other social media.
If you want to apply at Microsoft, first apply through Microsoft careers site so you get in their system before you contact a recruiter.

There’s so much more information in Microsoft’s article, I have only listed a few highlights here from only one of the three recruiters just to get you interested. I encourage you to check out the full article.

Here are some links for people interested in job opportunities at Microsoft.

Thanks for reading my article. If you are interested in IT training & consulting services, please reach out to me. Visit ZubairAlexander.com for information on my professional background.

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