Social media is part of society – there’s no way of avoiding it. It also has a significant role to play when looking for a job. Here are the steps you can take to make sure your career benefits rather than suffers as a result.
Social media is a huge part of our lives. Long gone are the times when the winner of a TV contest or plot twist in your favourite show could remain a mystery until you got the chance to catch up by watching it on VHS. As are the times when your gran had absolutely no idea what happened on your nights out and certainly didn’t have easy access to the photographic evidence.
Used properly, social media will help you to build a good reputation and working relationships that will genuinely benefit your career. Here are three simple steps you can take to boost your employability.
1. Keep some things private
Some may dismiss the social media horror stories as myths – but trust us, they’re real! There have been countless incidents in which a candidate’s job prospects have been harmed by prospective employers finding undesirable content on their social media accounts.
While many argue that social media should be a safe place where you can express your views and be yourself, the fact is that employers and recruiters have started using it as an integral part of the recruitment processes.
Whether following an initial application or before a final decision, your social media accounts will be found by recruiting managers so they can get a better idea of who you are.
You have control of what they find, so make sure you get your accounts in check. Use privacy settings so any pictures or statuses that may not paint you in the best light are hidden from public view.
Make sure your profile picture is “employer friendly” and change your settings so you have to approve photos before they are posted to your timeline.
Always act with care. Every time you post something, ask yourself, “what impression of myself am I putting across?”
2. Showcase your talents
Social media provides a platform for people to get noticed and be heard. This can provide you with a real opportunity to boost your employability.
Promote your design work on Instagram, show off your creativity on Snapchat, tweet about blogs and articles you’ve written, or use Facebook and LinkedIn to link to websites you’ve coded.
Not only will this allow potential employers to find your work easily, but it will also demonstrate your passions, which is a big plus.
3. Get connected
Connecting with recruiters in your sector can be a great way to get on their radar. It also gives you an opportunity to talk to them and give them a clear idea of the type of role you’re looking for, so you’re only contacted about relevant opportunities.
Social media sites also allow you to build relationships with potential employers, which can put you to the forefront of their minds and provide a platform on which to build at your first meeting.
Key figures from organisations may be active on Twitter, so following them and joining their conversations can get your name known and demonstrate your interest and knowledge on key topics.
You may also be able to connect on LinkedIn, which will gives you the chance to introduce yourself before an interview.
For more tips and career advice, head to Jobsgopublic.
Good luck!
