Social Media in a Job Search
LinkedIn is a professional social media platform designed for job searching, networking, and connecting with professionals, alumni, and organizations. It also allows you to be visible to recruiters seeking to fill various positions.
Building a LinkedIn Profile
- Upload a professionally photo
- Use a headshot of yourself
- Wear professional attire
- Choose a plain background
- Create a compelling headline
- Summarize your professional identity and expertise in a brief statement
- Write a short summary
- Introduce yourself and highlight your career goals and aspirations
- Enter your work and education history
- Detail your previous job roles and academic background
- Request recommendations
- Ask colleagues and supervisors for endorsements to highlight your skills and accomplishments
Facebook and Instagram
Facebook and Instagram are more informal platforms where you can connect with friends, family, coworkers, and organizations. However, potential employers might view your profiles, so it’s important to maintain a professional image on both.
- Customize your Privacy Settings
- Utilize the Facebook Privacy Resource Page and Instagram’s privacy settings
- Watch these helpful videos on Basic Status and Photos and Applications and Websites to control your sharing
- Keep photos professional
- Ensure your photos reflect a professional image
- Avoid photos that may be viewed as unprofessional
- Mind your posts
- Use respectful language
- Avoid negative comments about others and your workplace
- Be selective with your likes and shares
- Be mindful of engaging with controversial topics or affiliations that might impact your professional image
- Choose a professional username for Instagram
- Use your name or a combination of your name and profession
- Keep it simple and memorable