How To Use Social Media To Your Advantage When Job Hunting

In the last ten years, heck in the last two years, social media has evolved into a tool used worldwide. We are now able to find one another and connect in a matter of seconds. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and so many more are platforms most of us utilize daily. One thing that might not cross our minds when on these apps is our social footprint and what that means in the job hunt. Social media can be both a positive and a negative tool in your job hunt depending on how you use it but how? Well, think of your social media profiles as your very public digital resume. Not only are employers looking at your cover letters and resumes, but they are more than likely looking at your social media profiles as well! That’s why we are going to give you some advice, tips, and strategies when it comes to job hunting and social media, and to ensure you have a clean social footprint!

Conduct a Social Media Audit Before Job Hunting

Raise your hand if you have a personal account on a platform that you haven’t checked in a good while? Don’t worry, it happens to all of us! That’s why before you start job hunting, you need to do a social media audit.

First, you need to make an exhaustive list of all of your social media accounts. Especially the ones you haven’t given time to in a while! Once you’ve got your list you need to go through each account one by one, scanning for unbefitting pictures, controversial or unprofessional posts/comments, and tagged content. If the platform doesn’t serve you anymore, delete your account. Remember, these profiles are giving a glimpse into you and your image so what kind of image do you want to project? For a lot of you entering the job hunt right now, you have had social media since you were in middle school! Do you want your future employers to see the posts of your 13-year-old self? Performing this audit will ensure your best self is being shown across the internet!

Utilizing Social Media To Your Advantage

After your audit, you are left with the accounts you feel are beneficial to you and want to keep and continue to use. Now, how do we use them to our advantage? First, you want to make sure you maintain a consistent image across your socials. You should be using the same name, username if possible, information, and vibe. Secondly, be strategic about your usage and be active regularly. This doesn’t mean you need to be posting every day, but being active online will help you build the online image you want to represent you! By doing this you are able to provide employers with useful information about who you are. It can give them a glimpse into who you are as a person and how you communicate with others. 

Social Media can be a double-edged sword, but when used correctly, there are endless positive aspects. If you are entering the job market, or are currently in it, ensuring your social media is ready for professional onlookers can potentially give you a competitive advantage over other candidates. 

Tax season may be over, but now it’s time to go and audit those social media accounts! Once you are ready to land that dream job, check out our 5 Tips for Creating a Standout Resume to make sure you land on the top of the pile!