An Exciting Move from Spain to Canada! Job Search Case Study.

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

Using the Internet to Find and Increase Job Opportunities

In September 2009, Ani López moved to Vancouver, BC from Barcelona, Spain. From finding housing, adjusting to culture, to gaining employment, changing residences can present many challenges. For Ani, his priority was finding a SEO and web analytics consultant position that would further excel his career. Before moving, Ani researched over 70 Vancouver marketing firms. Ani gives a compelling look on securing work abroad and online.

Ani’s Initial Job Search – Connecting Across International Boarders

1) Google.ca
To gain a broad snapshot of Vancouver’s Internet marketing environment and what opportunities were present, Ani’s first point of contact were the companies’ websites. Their websites provided key details, such as the type of company, clients, relevancy, services offered, and contact information. Finding and evaluating key leads were essential to solidifying appointments, which proved to be a time-saver.

2) Email
After choosing potential companies, Ani introduced himself and sent his resumes by way of email. To no avail, this approach received very few replies.

Ani’s Second Attempt – A Social Approach to Job Search

1) LinkedIn
Instead of contacting companies at their general email accounts, which have long time lags and may not be directed to the appropriate person, Ani took a more targeted route. LinkedIn provided Ani with contacts of specific individuals and freelancers of the companies he previously targeted. The response was significantly higher, more effective, and personalized.

Yet, some Vancouver professionals expressed apprehension in response to Ani’s LinkedIn Invitations to Connect. However, creating a detailed, reputable, and professional LinkedIn profile minimized this barrier.

2) Twitter
The next step was connecting with Vancouver professionals on Twitter. Twitter provided additional information and evaluation of the companies. Most importantly, it built closer relationships.

3) The Personal Touch – International Marketing Conference 2009
Still, one of the greatest sources of creating relationships and credibility remains in face-to-face meetings. Already knowing much of Vancouver’s market on a macro-level, Ani registered for IMC to meet specific marketing professionals. He soon became known in the market established his career pathway.

Results

Although the Internet, as a medium, is often immediate and viral, Ani’s job search lasted two to three months. However in comparison to the traditional route, Ani gained several advantages: an in-depth look into Vancouver’s Internet marketing industry, strong professional connections, job offers, and all accomplished from across the Atlantic Ocean. What differed in Ani’s second job search attempt was that his approach, facilitated by social media, allowed personalization, customization, and more conversation. He treated each connection as though it was conducted in person:

Social Media is just like plain social with a layer of technology. It must be managed the same way you do with your personal, face-to-face relationships. Sending an unrequested email is like jumping suddenly into a group of people loudly claiming attention to advertise. It does not work in analogical life nor does it in a digital one. If you want to get noticed, introduce yourself politely, know your interlocutors, listen to them first, and opportunities will show up.

Ani now works with his first company of choice and leads the Vancouver SEM MeetUp group.

Future of Social Media On Businesses

Because of Ani’s Mediterranean background and sociable personality, he remains sceptical about using social media and, rather, opts for offline experiences.

The most ironic scene you can see in this city is six people in an elevator all checking their SM applications on a smartphone and nobody is saying ‘hello’ or ‘good morning’. If this is the sad impact of SM and ultramodern devices, do you really think it is going to have a positive one on business?

He does acknowledge social media’s prevalence and long-term impact in the future. Social media is quickly being integrated to many facets of the Internet and Ani aims to harness this medium in his work as an SEO specialist. Social media has proven benefits and Ani continues to use it to grow and connect professionally.

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Tags: Case Study, Google, Job Search, Linked In, Social Media, Twitter
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