Can Pinterest Help Your Job Search?

It seems like there is a new social media craze every year. Near the end of 2011, the newest fad was Pinterest, an online pin board where users can post pictures that relate to their interests. The site has continued to gain steam and many businesses and nonprofits are starting to use it.

While it doesn't seem like the kind of site that could help your job search, it can actually be just as useful as sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Since pictures are the main focus of Pinterest, you can use it to get a good sense of the culture at the nonprofits for which you want to work. What's their dress code? Where are they focusing their marketing efforts? These are all questions you can answer by browsing an organization's Pinterest board. Use this information to craft a tailored resume that shows you did a lot of research before applying.

Your job search efforts on Pinterest don't just have to be focused on employers; you can make pin boards to advance your brand. Sean Weinberg from Mashable posted an article in February with this great idea: Post your resume as a picture. All you have to do is create a board (call it "About Me" or "My Credentials") and post a picture of your resume. You can also link that picture to your online portfolio if you wish. You should also include photos of the various activities you do to help solidify your brand. As with any social networking site, you need to make sure many people see your board -- so make sure to share it in as many places as you can.

These are just a couple of ways you can use Pinterest to enhance your job hunt. Have any other ideas? Feel free to share them with us.