How to Use Social Media to Your Advantage and Land That Dream Job You’ve Been Seeking

‍Social media has become an integral part of our everyday lives. It’s the place where we share photos, videos, and a whole lot of personal information about ourselves. It has also given job seekers a new way to network and find opportunities they may not have had access to in the past. It’s no surprise that many companies use their company profiles on popular networking sites as a hiring tool. In fact, almost 60% of hiring leaders say they use social media to screen potential candidates for jobs at their company. That being said, it can be tricky to balance your personal life with your professional one online. After all, companies want to know what kind of employee you will be before extending you an interview invite. So how can you use social media to your advantage when searching for that dream job? Here are some tips!

Create a professional online presence.

Before you even think about applying for jobs through social media, you want to make sure you have a solid online presence. This includes having a professional profile picture, updating your privacy settings, and making sure your posts are professional. Your profile picture is the first thing people see when you connect with them online, so it’s best to have a professional, pleasing photo of yourself. Make sure your privacy settings are set to “friends,” so only people you approve can see your posts. If you are searching for a job, you do not want an employer to find pictures of you partying at the beach or at a sports game. Posts can also be an issue if you have a strong opinion about politics or religion. Employers want to know that you can work with people of every walk of life, so keep your posts neutral.

Use video to stand out.

If you are applying for a job that requires you to submit a video, this can be a great opportunity to make a memorable impression. Instead of taking a video of yourself speaking in front of a plain wall, take advantage of your surroundings and create something fun and entertaining. If you are applying to be an on-air reporter, try creating a weather forecast video, complete with sound effects. If you are applying for an internship with a creative company, create a video using creative and unique props, like coloring books or crayons. Whatever you decide to do, make sure your video is short and sweet. Employers don’t want to sit and watch a 10-minute video from every applicant. Employers also want to see your creativity, so use this opportunity wisely.

Don’t forget Instagram.

Instagram is another social media site that many people overlook when looking for job opportunities. Instagram is a great place to show off your creative skills and connect with people in your field of work. Create a feed that highlights your talents, hobbies, and skills. You can also use hashtags to connect with others in your industry. This is a great way to build relationships with potential employers and show that you are more than just a resume. If you’re applying for a job in marketing, but you have no Instagram account, this is a missed opportunity.

When using social media for job searching…

Keep in mind that you are applying for a job through social media, so always keep that in mind. Stay away from controversial topics, and focus on your skills and accomplishments for the best result. There is a difference between networking and friending. While you may want to connect with tons of people on social media and create relationships, it’s important to remember that you are not friends with everyone. If you are connected with someone in your field, or someone you want to work with in the future, send them a friend request. If they accept, you now have the potential to network with them.

Remember: You are who you network with.

This may sound a bit dramatic, but it’s important to remember that the relationships you build through social media are important. You never know when someone you network with now may be the person who gives you your next job or promotion. Always be mindful of what you post and what information you give other people. If you are especially sensitive about your privacy, consider setting your social media accounts to private. This way, you can still interact with your industry, but only people you approve have access to your posts. If you have a strong opinion about politics or religion, you may want to keep your posts private for now until you know who you are networking with will be a positive influence.

It’s okay to be selective.

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make when using social media to network is connecting with every person that sends them a friend request. It’s okay to be selective with the people you connect with. You don’t have to accept every friend request, and you don’t have to accept every job offer. If you’re not interested in the offer, don’t feel pressured to accept. If you know you don’t want to work with someone, don’t accept the connection. Or if you’re actively job searching, you want to make sure to take advantage of every opportunity you have to stand out as a candidate. Using social media as a hiring tool is common, and connecting with people in your industry is a great way to boost your profile. Just make sure you’re following these tips so you can come across as professional and memorable during your job search.

Conclusion

Always remember that you have the power to decide how social media will impact your life. If you want to use social media for job searching, then make sure that you are being mindful of your posts and connections. If you want to use social media for something else, then make sure to mute the notifications and turn off the app when you don’t need it. Social media is a great way to connect with people, but make sure to keep your posts professional and be selective with the people you want to network with.

Call us today at 613-912-7780 or fill out the form here. Skyfall Blue is here for all your digital marketing services and social media tips.