Conference to help students, alumni use social media in the job hunt

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In a labour market that's quickly making the switch to online recruitment, it's more
important than ever for students to be social media savvy in the job hunt.

To help students effectively reach out to employers, the Student Success Centre (SSC) is
hosting a Social Media and Job Search Conference on November 10 and 11.

The conference aims to inform students and recent graduates about how to build a
personal brand, make use of popular networking sites, and understand issues of privacy
and professionalism associated with social media use. The event is open to all McMaster
students and alumni who have graduated within the past five years.

“This is a chance for students to get a unique, inside perspective on today's job market,”
said Jacquie Hampshire, events and marketing coordinator at the Success Centre.
“Research shows that social media is being used for recruitment at record levels, and we
want students to be able to effectively use the tools at hand.”

The conference will host 25 speakers, including faculty, employers in the Hamilton
community, and a representative from the professional social networking site LinkedIn.
Keynote speakers include Max Valiquette, founder of Youthography and an expert on
innovation and trends, Martin Waxman, social media and public relations strategist, and
Terry Fallis, McMaster alumnus and author of the award-winning novel The Best Laid
Plans
.

Waxman, who has over 25 years of experience in public relations and communications,
will speak about changes in the labour market and how to make connections through
social media.

“I'm hoping to bring to life how important it is to use social networks to build your own
network,” said Waxman, who teaches a social media course through McMaster's Centre
for Continuing Education. “It's an exciting time – there are many opportunities and tools
available to students, but it's important to be yourself, to be human, and to find the
tools that work best for you.”

Fallis, a self-published author who podcasted his novel online before choosing to go to
print, says social media tools had a strong impact on his writing career.

“I was encouraged by the positive feedback I received from the online community,” said
Fallis, who continues to tweet and blog about his writing.

“We've moved into a 'conversational economy' with narrow-casting as opposed to just
broadcasting,” said Fallis. “I think it's important for students not to simply latch onto
tools, but to use them with transparency and authenticity in mind.”

Fallis will give a presentation on how to “build your own buzz” and the governing
principles of networking tools online.

Valiquette's talk on current trends in social media and the workplace will be open to
members of the community. RSVP to hampsh@mcmaster.ca.

Attendees will have a chance to meet and speak with the experts for advice on
professional development.

The conference, sponsored by the Student Life Enhancement Fund, will take place at
McMaster Innovation Park from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 10, and
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, November 11. Shuttle service will be provided to
delegates in front of the McMaster University Student Centre at designated times.

Registration is limited to 125 attendees, and the conference fee is $10.00. For more
information,