Companies asked Interns to Apply Via Social Media - Click here http://bit.ly/eBgDak for full article

Click here http://bit.ly/eBgDak for full article

Employers are frequently researching job candidates through the Internet. We have all heard the horror stories of people who were denied jobs or fired because of Internet faux pas. This summer, 30 startups will leverage the growing popularity of the Internet to their advantage and require summer interns to apply through social media.

Startups focus more on company culture because they are usually smaller and moving very quickly. Not only will this type of application process allow them to exclude anyone that does not fit with their office culture, the companies will be able to choose candidates who demonstrate their skills and potential most effectively. These companies expect interns to be on the cutting edge, with knowledge of the latest trends on the Internet and technology. Such companies are seeking creative young minds who are able to think outside of the box in fast-paced settings. Typical resumes and cover letters do not usually display a candidate's creativity or critical thinking skills, which is why many companies are using this content-rich format for applications. Social media applications are open-ended. It is up to the applicant to determine what will most impress the management.

Non-traditional job applications may take several formats. Some applications will be entirely essays, others will contain digital art, and many applications will include video. The most creative applications are likely to use a combination of these techniques. Because startups require workers to be able to work independently and self-motivate, free-form applications give potential employers a sneak peak at how that potential employee is likely to perform if hired. Social media applications instantly display an intern's ability to write, speak publicly, perform, think creatively, entertain and solve problems. Employers can also get an idea of how a candidate may be able to use his or her own network to promote a brand. Traditional applications do not even come close to accessing that amount of information about a candidate and putting it on display for the potential employer.