Make the Most of Your Social Media to Get Hired
Seventy-three percent of millennials found their last position through a social media site. While different sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are becoming popular platforms for finding your next job, they can also help you land your next job. We will cover five easy steps to use social media to get hired faster!
With social media, you have free outlets to market your skills, experience, and factors that make you a competitive candidate. Follow these tips to make the most of your social media accounts and increase your chances of getting hired.
1. Check Your Online Presence
First, get an idea of your overall internet presence. This is the first step recruiters will take and you want to make sure you put your best face forward. What sites do you have accounts on? Are your profiles set to public or private? What content is public? On Facebook, for example, your account may be set to private, but your profile pictures are public.
To begin, Google yourself. A simple search of your name will bring up what your recruiters will see. Remove anything controversial or that would otherwise put you in a negative light from profiles and accounts that you control. For content that you can’t remove, you can submit take-down request forms.
2. Set Up a LinkedIn Account
If you don’t already have an account set up, you need to create a LinkedIn profile. Over 93% of companies use LinkedIn to connect with and hire new talent, according to Jobcast. This platform gives you a free and easy way to highlight your skills and experience, along with interests and job history. Another major benefit of LinkedIn is the ability to connect and network with professionals. This is a great advantage! You can stay fresh in the minds of people who can help you in your job search by posting regularly and requesting recommendations.
Pro Tip: Make sure to highlight yourself with a well-executed professional headshot from a quality photographer. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
3. Show Off Your Work
You can do this on LinkedIn and/or a website. You can create websites for free or cheap now, and build an online portfolio of your work. Post examples of your skills and talent relevant to the job you are trying to land. Post your resume online either on your website or LinkedIn profile, or link to your resume.
4. Stay Engaged
Follow relevant business pages on your LinkedIn and Twitter pages. Participate in the conversation on comment threads or industry boards online to highlight your expertise. This also gives you the advantage of staying on top of the latest news in your industry.
5. Evaluate Your Progress
Periodically, check your online presence. Make sure your website and online portfolio match your resume and that every site is consistent. This cohesiveness in your online presence will definitely be noticed by recruiters.
Whether you are looking for a job or looking for your next great employee, Charles Foster is your resource. We have the experience, skills, and team to make sure you find the right one!