We all know how important social media has become to our everyday lives, but have you thought about how you are coming across when potential employers, head hunters or recruiters are looking at your social media profiles? Here are some tips in managing your social media platforms when you are job hunting:
- Build your Network
One of the main benefits of using social media for job hunting is that you can build and expand your network. Networking is essential for finding opportunities. LinkedIn gives great advise on building your network when you are job hunting:
Before you start applying for jobs, make sure your social media profiles are up to date and professional. This means adding your current work experience, education, skills, and achievements. You also want to use a clear and friendly profile picture, a catchy headline, and a relevant bio. Avoid posting anything that might be inappropriate, controversial, or offensive, as employers might check your online presence before hiring you. You can also adjust your privacy settings to control what you share with different audiences.
- Choose the right platforms
Not all social media platforms are equally relevant for job searching. Depending on your industry, skills, and goals, you may want to focus on different ones. For example, LinkedIn is a must-have for professionals who want to network, share their achievements, and find opportunities. Twitter can be useful for staying updated on industry trends, engaging with influencers, and demonstrating your expertise. Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok can be helpful for creative fields, personal branding, or showcasing your portfolio.
- Google yourself
For the most part, you should assume that employers will look at your social media profiles before inviting you for an interview. When you Google yourself, you will see what the potential employer will see. You have the opportunity to change your profiles and make sure you are seen as a professional job seeker.
- Moderate your Social Media Account
If there are any posts or photos on your social accounts that you wouldn’t want a potential employer to see, tweak your privacy settings.
Moderate your social media accounts. You want to generate altogether positive conversations on your social media accounts. Remember the most important 5 things that you should avoid:
- Inappropriate Profile Pictures
- Poor Grammar
- Posting Tasteless Comments
- Trash Talking Your Company
- Using Social Media at Work
- Showcase your achievements
One of the advantages of social media is that you can use it to showcase your achievements and accomplishments in a visual and dynamic way. You can use different formats and features to highlight your work, such as stories, reels, live videos, infographics, or podcasts. You can also use hashtags, tags, and mentions to increase your visibility and reach.
Social media platforms can be a big advantage when you are job hunting. Make sure your profiles are professional, tasteful and would make your granny proud!
