Social media habits matter in job hunt

You may have spent hours making sure you are using just the right action verbs in your résumé, and crafting the perfect cover letter to catch the attention of your future employer, but if you haven't spent the time to clean up what's on your Facebook page, all that work could be for naught.

Not only do social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn allow you to connect and network as you search for a job, but they give you a platform to sell yourself < or shame yourself < to future employers.

The following social media tips can give applicants the best chance of getting the job they are hoping for:

  • Audit all social media profiles to make sure there aren't any posts or pictures you wouldn't want a potential employer to see. Delete any offensive posts by your friends and hide them if they have a habit of posting questionable content on your profiles. After you are done, Google yourself to make sure there's nothing hanging out on the Internet you might have forgotten about from an old account or from something someone else has posted.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of your profession. Reposting interesting articles you come across relating to your field demonstrates knowledge and passion.

Use your LinkedIn profile to share your experience and expertise, and post anything of interest that you may have authored on all your social media profiles.

  • Make connections. LinkedIn is great for connecting with old teachers and other professional contacts. If you had a good relationship with a teacher or former coworker, ask him or her to write a recommendation that you can post on your profile. Connect with those that you meet at job fairs or industry events.
  • Learn about your future employers. Follow companies for which you might eventually like to work so you can build your knowledge base about the company. Following the Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn feeds of companies and professional organizations is also a great way to learn about job openings - and you can mention that you learned about the opening through social media to show that you're adept at using these networks.

"Some may lament that by accessing your profiles, employers can dig farther into your personal life than you would like," says Schmitt. "But these platforms give you an unprecedented opportunity to market yourself to prospective employees and make connections to other professionals."

< ARAContent

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