Career Thought Leaders newsletter of 7/27/2017 shared the following statistics every professional should understand about the importance of social media in today's job search:

"5 DATA POINTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL PROFILES (from JobVite and CareerBuilder):
- 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates
- 57% are less likely to interview a candidate they can't find online
- 54% have decided not to hire a candidate based on their social media profiles
- 92% of recruiters use social media in their outreach; 55% use Facebook, 87% use LinkedIn
- 67% who used social media to find their most recent job used Facebook"

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​Are you stuck in a dead end job? Do you want to change careers but are uncertain of which direction you should take?
 
These 12 steps will help you transform your career and land your dream job:

1. Adopt a can-do attitude. Believe in yourself and know you are capable of achieving career advancement. Write goals and affirmations, tape them to your mirror, and read them aloud daily.
2. Brainstorm about alternative career paths. List five choices. Which career is attainable and would be most satisfying to you? 
3. Read The Occupational Handbook and major business publications to determine the availability of jobs in your chosen field. A publication of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “The OOH can help you find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations.” 
4. Research target companies. Glassdoor.com is a good starting place or search Google for 
   "Top 50 Employers" in your area. Identify 10 companies of interest and follow them on LinkedIn. Set Google Alerts to receive emails with news about the companies you've identified as prospective employers.
5. Search Indeed.com and print out 10 job posting in your chosen field. Analyze the job postings to discover common skill sets.
6. Our Fit-Gap Analysis Spreadsheet (included in Finding Meaningful Work & Career Happiness online career coaching program) is a great tool to uncover skills gaps between where you are today and where you want to be in the near future. 
7. Conduct informational interviews with people working in your chosen industry. Ask their advice on which courses and certifications are most useful in their line of work.
8. Enroll in courses to bridge any skills gaps required for employment in your chosen field.
9. Think positive. Cast your fears aside. You are capable of learning new skills at any age.
10. Be persistent. Study diligently to gain the skills you need to be successful in your new career.
11. Hang out with successful people. Join professional organizations, attend meetings, and build your network. Join LinkedIn groups and participate in group conversations. 
12. Prepare your resume and cover letter. Ask your network contacts for introductions to people who have the capacity to hire you. 

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Source: U.S. Department of Labor, The Occupational Handbook. Retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh.