With an estimated 82% of the US population using at least one social media platform, it is reasonable to expect hiring managers and recruiters to check out your profiles to learn more about you. In fact, it has been reported that 70% of employers use social media to research candidates during the hiring process.
This section will help you develop your "brand" on social media and offer helpful tips to avoid potential pitfalls.
LinkedIn can be an incredibly useful platform for your professional development. Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn is focused entirely on professionals, their achievements and networking. Think of it like a formal dinner party, where there are certain expected behaviors. Here are some helpful tips to help you build your brand on LinkedIn.
| Topic | Download |
|---|---|
| Profile Checklist: College Students | |
| Building a Student Profile | |
| Finding a Job or Internship | |
| Networking on LinkedIn | |
| Tailoring Your Profile to Your Goals | |
| Building Your Personal Professional Brand | |
| Using the Alumni Tool to Explore Career Paths |
Instagram / Facebook / Twitter
Sometimes referred to as the "Big 3", Instagram, Facebook and Twitter are the three most widely used platforms in the United States. Given their personal nature and public availability, prospective employers will almost certainly survey these accounts. Prior to beginning your job search, it is a good idea to examine your accounts and perhaps perform a little digital spring cleaning.
What are recruiters looking at on your accounts?
We discussed above about thinking of LinkedIn as a formal dinner party, but what about the Big 3? Think of them like this: Twitter is like a semi-formal cocktail party and Instagram/Facebook are even less formal, like a backyard bbq. How you present yourself on these platforms may influence managers during the hiring process.
Employers will be looking at the type of content you share, your photos, and your comments (your interactions with others).
What should you avoid?
- Posting inappropriate photos and comments.
- Poor grammar use and writing skills.
- Making negative, discriminatory or derogatory comments about people, their gender, sexual orientation or specific cultural groups.
- Content showing the candidate under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Negative or disparaging statements directed at a specific person or a previous employer.
Building your "Brand"
Once upon a time, a resume and brief cover letter was all people needed to consider when looking for work. A common term in today's job market is "personal brand", but what does this mean and how do you build one?
The term is borrowed and adapted from the advertising/marketing industry. In a nutshell, your personal brand is everything that you want to convey about yourself to your peers and employers. This includes your subject matter expertise, your interests, your values and goals.