Offer advice on how job seekers can use social media platforms to find job opportunities, network with industry professionals, and build their personal brand.
When you’re looking for a new job, it’s important to utilize any and all tools at your disposal. In 2024, that includes using social media!
Our social media profiles are a way for people to get to know us, what we like, what we are like, the things that matter to us and how we view the world. Social media accounts also provide potential employers an idea of how committed we are to the things that matter most to us, which can be a great way to show off your skills and your dedication before a first meeting or interview.
Here are a few tips on using social media to help give yourself an advantage while looking for a new job.
Let people know you’re looking.
Our social networks (remember when we called them that?!) are just that: Networks. By letting your followers know you’re in the hunt for a new job, you’re giving them the opportunity to help you out! Someone might have a great job in their company or department that could be a great lead for you — you never know unless you ask! And people are always willing and happy to help if they know you’re looking.
Update your profiles.
When was the last time you updated your profile photo? If your current image on any platform is you out having drinks with friends or dressed for an evening out, it might send the wrong impression. You’re of course allowed, and expected, to have a personal life outside of work, but if you’re looking for a job, you want to present yourself in the best possible light. You want a nice, clear photo of yourself, looking professional and ready to make connections. A natural smile is best! Have a friend help you out with this if you need a new photo. After that, it’s time to go over to LinkedIn and make sure your resume is polished and up-to-date. Do you have all your relevant work experience listed? Do you have any credentials or certificates included? How about any volunteer work? All of it can help make great conversation starters and could catch the eye of a recruiter looking for someone with your background.
Check your settings.
If you want to keep your work life and your professional life separate, that’s well within your right! Maybe you love sharing photos of your friends and family on Facebook but would rather not have your potential employer know all that information about your personal life right away. Consider making your accounts private; this limits who can see and comment on your profile. Or maybe you want to make a second account strictly for professional use. If that’s the case, you’ll want to start building a following on that account by sharing and commenting on articles pertaining to your field of work. You want to show that you’re engaged and curious, that you have thoughts you want to share with others and that you’re invested in your career.
Link your profiles.
If your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date, include a link to it in your bio on your social media accounts. That’s an easy way to invite prospective employers to get to know about your professional aspirations and experiences without them having to dig around to find it. Add a link into your resume as well, for LinkedIn, any other social media profiles you’d like them to see, including any portfolio you might have if you’re in a creative field.
Talk to people!
You want to present yourself as up-to-date and knowledgeable about your field. The best way to do that is to engage with people! Share articles that interest you and might be of use to others. Add a comment about why you think that particular article is insightful or useful. Ask questions too! If you want to know more about a topic, post a question, with a specific scenario in mind or broadly about something you don’t understand (or want opinions about). As you start conversations, you’ll not only establish yourself as someone with an interest and point of view in your field; but you’ll expand your network and gain new links in your community that might open doors for you in the future.
Social media is a fantastic, free tool that you can use to develop and nurture your own personal brand, connecting you with people who might be able to bring opportunities to your attention and could even help get your foot in the door faster. So much happens online when it comes to job searching, this is just another avenue to utilize!
Are you looking for a new job?
If you’d like more advice, or if you’d like to kickstart your search, don’t forget another tool at your disposal: Call FurstStaffing, a firm specializing in helping great people find great jobs! Our recruiters can help you polish your resume and explore the jobs we’re currently looking to fill. We can even put your resume in front of our clients who are looking for someone like you! When you’re ready to move your career forward, call FurstStaffing and let’s get started.
