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Kylie Farmer
August 16, 2021
Newsletter ArticleHow Hashtags Can Help Your Job Search
In a social media world, the overuse of hashtags has made them feel more comical than professional. The truth is when used correctly, hashtags can greatly increase your visibility during your job search. Once you tap into the power of a hashtag, they can help you find jobs, promote your job search, and network. Here, we answer questions about hashtags and using them during the job search.
What are hashtags and how do they work?
Simply put, hashtags are keywords. When the hashtag symbol (previously the pound sign) is placed in front of a word, social media platforms notice it and use that keyword to place your post in related categories. In turn, platforms suggest your post to those audiences interested in those keywords and categories.
For example, a flower grower in Texas uses the following hashtags: #agriculture #farming #flowers and #texas. Their post is more likely going to be seen by florists in Texas who like to engage with flower farmers. In this scenario, social media exposure increases potential clients, but as a job seeker, social media exposure can increase potential employers.
How can hashtags help me find jobs?
Hashtags are not just a tool that social media AI uses to categorize posts. On many social media platforms, hashtags are searchable. That means that a simple search of hashtags like #agjobs or #agriculturejobs can give you posts with the type of job openings that you are interested in.
Additionally, some social media platforms give you the option to follow hashtags. Once you find hashtags that are commonly used for positions you are interested in, follow that hashtag so those posts will show up in your personal feed.
How do I promote my job search using hashtags?
In the same way that job seekers can search and follow hashtags, recruiters and employers can too! Be sure to supplement your job search posts with hashtags that employers and recruiters will be interested in. These hashtags can be integrated into the text of the post or listed afterward. For example,
“Hello everyone! I am looking for an opportunity to apply my knowledge of #agbusiness in a role as an #hrgeneralist. If you know of any opportunities, or can provide some guidance during my #jobsearch, I would greatly appreciate it!
#agjobs #opentowork #humanresources #hiring #KansasCity #Mizzoualumni”
How do I network with hashtags?
When networking, use the principle of a hashtag to your advantage. Be sure that your posts use similar hashtags as those who you want to network with. Then, you have a higher chance of the social media platform showing your posts to those individuals. This makes it easier to make the first contact as they already have some awareness of you and your posts before you send the first message.
Some social media platforms like Twitter use specific hashtags to promote conversation in groups with common interests. You must use a chat’s hashtag to post to that conversation, which is a great chance to introduce yourself to new individuals within agriculture.
Finally, use hashtags to supplement the professional development and networking that you are already taking a part of. This year, AgCareers.com hosted the Ag & Food HR Roundtable in early August. The hashtag for the event, #agRT, allowed participants the chance to not only share their experiences from the Roundtable, but connect with other attendees and hear their experiences.
Which hashtags should I use?
Hashtags are not one size fits all, so it may take you a few tries to find which ones work. Here are some hashtags you can start with.
Location
Industry
Sector
Specific Positions
General Job Searching Hashtags
In the end, both the job search and networking are becoming more and more digitally-based. As a result, social media strategy is playing an increasingly larger role in finding your next professional opportunity. Hashtags are just one social media strategy that can help increase your visibility to employers who are hiring.
