Social media has become an essential part of our modern-day lives. It’s how we express ourselves and connect with others. Additionally, it can be a make or break factor in your job search. According to Careerbuilder, more than half of hiring managers have found content on social media that has caused them not to hire a candidate. While this statistic can be intimidating, don’t let it deter you from social media altogether! Forty-seven percent of hiring managers say they are less likely to call a candidate for an interview if they can’t find them online at all. So, it’s all in how you navigate it. Start by prepping your social media for a job search in these five ways.
Privatize your non-professional profiles
Any social media account that you use exclusively for personal use should be private. Go through each profile and make everything private while still keeping them active. Pick an appropriate profile picture so that if they search for you, your potential employer can match a face to a name. To test out your privacy settings, try Googling yourself in an incognito window.
Update your professional profiles
Your job search is the perfect time for your professional social media profiles to shine. As a result, it’s essential that you have them updated. LinkedIn is an obvious first stop. Detail your current skills, past positions, and career goals. Then, consider other social networks that may be beneficial to your job search. These could include professional portfolios on Instagram, Google reviews, or any other sites relevant to your industry.
Engage with the right content
Now that you have your professional profiles up to snuff, it’s time to put them to work. Find and share relevant industry content, posts from prospective employers, and examples of your work on social media. This will ensure that when an employer sneaks a peek at your profiles, they’ll see that not only are your qualifications a match but also that you are engaged and passionate about what you do.
Add relevant social media links to your resume
Finally, add any relevant social links to your resume. You should do this for professional profiles only. Your future employer doesn’t need a link to your (now private) Facebook profile! Include links to your LinkedIn, Instagram portfolio, or other professional sites right along with your contact information. Be sure to make these active links as most resumes are reviewed online nowadays!
Grow your network
Last, but not least, grow your professional network. Seek out people who work for your dream companies and send them a personalized connection request. Let them know who you are and why you’re seeking connection. It’s key to avoid asking for any favors upfront. Instead, lead with what you can offer.
Make social media work for you, not against you during your job search. Partner with a JSG recruiter to find your next position, and we’ll help make sure you are poised for success on and offline!
