Social Media & Your Job Search

Did you know that 55% of employers who use social media screening found content that caused them not to hire a candidate? Your online presence has a big impact on your job search and is an important first impression to a recruiter. Instead of trying to hide your profile from recruiters, make it easy for them to find you and when they do be sure you’ve created a professional brand. Here are some ideas to optimize common social media platforms:

LinkedIn

New to LinkedIn? Check out this brief video: LinkedIn for Students

Why should you use LinkedIn? Eight people are hired through LinkedIn every minute. More recruiters report being active on LinkedIn than any other social media platform. LinkedIn can help you create and maintain your network during college and help you find a job or internship. Here are a few tips to make the most of LinkedIn:

• Start your profile by using your resume to fill out your education and experience. Within the first few seconds of viewing your profile an employer often looks at 3 key areas:
  • Profile Photo – maintain a professional picture
  • Headline –identify what you do and who you are
  • Profile Summary – short, concise narrative that shares who you are and what your goals are
• Reach out to professionals in your field who graduated from Southeastern or have a connection in common. Use a message like this example to introduce yourself. Avoid asking for a job or internship, and instead, build relationships and seek advice.

Ms. Ross,

I am currently a junior technology student at Southeastern hoping to enter the technology field. I noticed on your profile that you are a Southeastern alumnus with experience at Perficient. I would love the opportunity to connect and learn more about your career path. Thanks!

Best,
Mayer Sikes

Instagram

• Instagram is a photo/video sharing platform and is a great place to enhance your professional brand and showcase your creative side.
• Use your Instagram page as another professional platform, one that is less formal, and more personal. Employers love to have a glimpse into your life.
• You can also research employers on Instagram to understand more about their jobs or company culture.
• DO share: Your favorite sport, entertaining friends, a new dish you are attempting for the first time.
• DON’T share: Alcoholic beverages, controversial opinions, and anything else you wouldn’t want your mom (or prospective boss) to see.

Twitter

• Recruiters commonly use Twitter for announcing job openings. You can follow employers you’re interested in or recruiters you meet at Career Fair to stay up-to-date on jobs.
• Active Twitter accounts are ranked in Google almost right away – this means that when an employer Googles you, your Twitter account will be one of the first things to come up. As a job seeker it is important that all of your social media accounts create a professional brand.
• Use Twitter Chats to interact with others in your field on specific topics.

Facebook

• Facebook can be helpful for you as an applicant to learn about the culture of the company.
• Make an active effort to delete or untag any questionable content on Facebook. You can also ensure any personal content remains private by adjusting your privacy settings.
• Facebook groups can be an opportunity to find jobs or network with others in your location or field.

Blogs and Websites

• Blogs and websites are a great place to display your professional skills through links, photos, and work samples – giving a much clearer sense of what you have to offer a company.
• Examples of what to include on your website: examples of your work, class projects, links to your socials, your future vision/goals, a professional blog, podcasts, videos, and more.

PRO TIP: Create a free Google Alert for your name so you’ll be notified via email whenever anything is posted about you (or someone with your name) online.