Candidates face various challenges and struggles when job hunting. The process can be overwhelming, from crafting the perfect resume and submitting job applications to preparing for job interviews. However, social media can greatly enhance your employment prospects.
With the growing prevalence of social media, candidate hunting on traditional platforms is now becoming a thing of the past. You can now create your online presence in social media accounts to increase your chances of finding potential job opportunities.
Importance of Social Media
In the digital age, social media provides a platform for individuals to connect, share, and engage with others across the globe. According to Pew, 7 out of 10 Americans use social media.¹ Social media can significantly boost your job search efforts when used strategically.
Hiring managers and recruiters often turn to social media to gain insights into candidates beyond their resumes. Leveraging social media effectively allows you to showcase your skills, expertise, and personal brand, making a positive impression on potential employers.
But while it offers numerous opportunities to showcase your skills and connect with professionals, it can also be detrimental if not used wisely. Your online presence is a powerful asset that can either open or close doors.
How to Leverage Your Social Media
Take control of your personal brand, leverage social media’s potential, and propel your job search forward. Here are some things you can do.
1. Manage Your Digital Footprint
When it comes to your job search, how you portray yourself online matters. Social media platforms offer more than just spaces for personal expression—they have also become an integral part of your professional lives.
Potential employers often scrutinize candidates’ online profiles to gain deeper insights into their character, values, and overall fit for the organization. It’s best to be careful about what you post and how you impress others online. And it pays to retain a hint of professionalism in everything you do in the virtual space.
Conduct a Self-Search
Take a moment to conduct a self-search and evaluate your online presence before embarking on your job search journey. This allows you to present a positive and professional online image that resonates with potential employers.
- Search your name on Google to see what potential employers might come across.
- Ensure your digital footprint aligns with your current values and goals.
- If you come across any content that could be perceived as offensive or unprofessional, consider removing it.
- Double-check your privacy settings.
- Be mindful of compromising photos or social media posts that may reflect negatively on your character.
Consider Creating a Professional Profile
It may be beneficial to consider creating separate profiles for personal and professional interests. In doing so, you can maintain a clear distinction between your personal life and your job prospects, ensuring that one doesn’t negatively impact the other.
You can also utilize LinkedIn to create a professional profile, as this app primarily focuses on developing business profiles in the social media space. You can even include your resume in the platform.
2. Build a Strong Personal Brand Online
Your online presence has the power to shape employers’ perceptions of you. This makes it essential to employ effective strategies that help you positively stand out.
Showcase Your Expertise
For instance, on LinkedIn, aside from attaching your resume, your profile can highlight your skills, certifications, achievements, and relevant experiences. You can even ask for referrals and recommendations that can boost your credibility and expertise.
Use it to craft a compelling headline and summary using industry-specific keywords to make your resume more discoverable and attractive to potential employers.
Curate Your Content
Share valuable and relevant material on your social media platforms while avoiding controversial or offensive content. Remember, employers seek candidates who can contribute positively to their work environment, so be mindful of the impression you create through your online activity.
Of course, you may voice your opinions on heated topics like politics, religion, and gender identity. However, try to be polite, respectable, and considerate. If there’s a chance of backlash, it might be best to avoid it altogether.
Keep It Professional
Engage in meaningful conversations related to your industry, share your knowledge and insights, and showcase your passion for your field. This allows you to demonstrate your professionalism and dedication.
Be Consistent Across Platforms
Maintain a cohesive personal brand across different social media platforms. For instance, use a consistent profile picture, cover photo, and username to strengthen your online identity. This makes it easily recognizable to employers.
3. Expand Your Professional Connections
Social media is an excellent tool for networking. Connecting with other professionals allows you to build a robust network that opens doors to exciting career opportunities.
Engage With Industry Professionals
Follow and interact with influential individuals, thought leaders, and companies in your field of interest. Share their content, provide insightful comments, and actively participate in relevant discussions. This helps you connect with industry insiders and showcase your enthusiasm.
Moreover, you can learn more in the field and stay updated on the latest trends and knowledge from reputable sources.
Join Professional Groups
Platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook connect you with like-minded professionals where you can participate in conversations and share valuable resources. Look for industry-specific groups related to your career goals or communities that focus on empowerment and support.
This allows you to learn from others, exchange knowledge and experiences, and potentially discover job leads.
Proactive Outreach
Reaching out to recruiters, hiring managers, and industry professionals can yield positive results. It’s also an opportune moment to clarify about the job posting. According to Gallup, only 5 percent agreed that their company job posting actually reflects the job’s fundamental responsibilities.²
Initiating direct contact demonstrates your proactive nature and increases your chances of establishing meaningful connections. It also increases your visibility in the job market.
4. Use Social Media to Know More About Employers
It’s important to leverage the available platforms to your advantage. Here are some things to consider.
Research Prospective Employers
Company social media profiles can provide valuable insights into their culture, values, and initiatives. Take the time to research and explore their accounts on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. You can better understand the company’s beliefs and whether they align with your own.
Look for posts, articles, or events that reflect their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. For example, if you’re a person with a disability, you may want to assess whether the company is an equal-opportunity employer.
Leverage Review Boards
Review boards like Glassdoor offer valuable employee feedback and insights. While not strictly considered social media, it provides firsthand accounts of employee experiences within different companies.
Take the time to read through reviews and look for patterns. However, it’s important to discern between legitimate reviews and those from disgruntled employees. Pay attention to how companies respond to reviews, as it can indicate their commitment to addressing concerns and fostering a positive work environment.
LET GALT FOUNDATION HELP CONNECT YOU TO THE RIGHT EMPLOYER
If you’re facing challenges in finding employment and want to leverage social media to enhance your job search, look no further; Galt Foundation is here for you.
We specialize in connecting job seekers with disabilities to meaningful employment opportunities. With our vast network of employees and expertise in matching candidates with the right positions, we can help you confidently navigate the job market.
Contact us today to explore how we can assist you in your job search.
References
1. “Social Media Fact Sheet.” Pew Research, 7 Apr. 2021, www.pewresearch.org/social-media/.
2. Barry, Kristin. “To Recruit Top Talent, Rethink Your Job Postings.” Gallup, 14 Oct. 2020, www.gallup.com/recruit-top-talent-rethink-job-postings.
