Recruiters and employers often look at candidates' social media accounts during the hiring process. Chances are, you've already removed potentially damaging posts and cleaned up your accounts — now, it's time to take it a step further. With the right steps, you can turn your profiles into assets in the job search.
Share Work-Related Content
Your social media profiles are a golden opportunity to show off the interests and activities that impress employers. There's no need to stop posting your vacation photos and funny memes — simply balance them with work-related posts. Do you volunteer with a nonprofit? Share a news article about your work or post a photo with a positive caption. Looking for a job in software engineering? Post an article link along with insightful commentary. This process lets employers know that you're well-rounded and engaged in your field. It's also a great way to reinforce the accomplishments on your job application and show recruiters who you are as a person and a professional.
Start a Discussion
Social media is an equalizer. With as little as a free Twitter account, you can engage in conversation with everyone from industry leaders to local professionals. Use this to your advantage in the hiring process by starting and participating in thoughtful discussions. Follow influential people in your field, and tweet at them when they post an article or relevant content. Keep up with new developments by following relevant hashtags. To start a conversation yourself, share an article or your own thoughts and ask for feedback. If you can connect with the right people, this social media strategy can do more than impress recruiters — it can lead to job opportunities with your new online contacts.
Stay Professional
Social media is an inherently informal communication channel. If your profiles are visible to employers and recruiters, it's important to err on the side of professionalism. Proofread your posts to eliminate spelling and grammar errors. It's fine to use trendy language, but make sure to think about how potential employers might read it. If hiring managers and recruiters in your field tend to be older and less computer-savvy, common online acronyms like "IRL" and "ICYMI" might be confusing.
Professionalism also extends to the content you share from other people. When you post links, check the source. Is the website credible? Is the commentary worthwhile? Is the author qualified? If you're sharing something questionable or inflammatory, be sure to clarify your reasons for sharing. This reassures employers that you can evaluate information and perform due diligence.
When you use your social media profiles thoughtfully, you can turn them into powerful job-hunting assets. Thoughtful posts and frequent engagement help employers see you as a well-rounded, current professional that would be an asset to the company.
Photo Courtesy of Ben Calliaud at Flickr.com
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