With the rise of social media over the last two decades, it is easy to get lost or be unaware of the posts that you have circulating on the Internet. Today, many companies look at prospective employees’ online presence, so it is important to ensure that you have a fresh, professional, but still unique social media existence.
Google yourself. Look through your existing social feeds. Yep, even those old posts from five years ago. Would you hire YOU?
Evaluate your social media presence
Social media can get you fired before you have a chance to accept the position, so keep it clean! Take stock of your previous posts and consider if this is how you want the world to see you. If you are unsure or questioning any of your posts, delete them. We all like to have fun too, but the professional world isn’t the place for keg stands. Take advantage of the transparency that social media provides and illustrate your skills, professional experiences, and your personality in a positive light.
Update your LinkedIn and expand your network! LinkedIn is a great way to stay connected to old colleagues and friends. Plus, it provides a supportive plethora of people who are interested in your professional growth.
Use Twitter to follow companies, professional development organizations and people related to your area of expertise. Twitter is a simple tool you can use to follow industry trends and leaders, stay up-to-date with news globally, and engage with people in similar career paths. Limit the negative subtweets and foul language and use it to your professional advantage by sharing relevant articles or retweeting hot topics.
Show off your professional side and your personality
Employers like to see that you are knowledgeable about the industry you want to work in, so by posting and sharing relevant information on social media, you can develop credibility for yourself.
Feel free to keep your puppy photos, tasty recipe videos, and Carpool Karaoke with James Corden shared posts coming. You do not have to be completely professional to get the job. Employers still want to see your personality! Make sure you use your best judgment.
Overall, your social media can make or break you. You are your own brand. Be cognizant of how friends, family, and prospective employers might view your posts on all mediums. Like any brand, be consistent, cohesive, and send a message to your audience. Take a few hours to run through your social media accounts and clean them up! As with anything, it is good to update and do some spring cleaning.
Happy job hunting!
