Social media is a valuable tool in the job search process today. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn give prospective employers the chance to know prospective employees beyond the confines of resumes, CVs and cover letters. Your social media profile lets employers know who you really are. Are you a knowledgeable, well-rounded individual who possesses excellent communication skills? Your social media profile will reveal such information to employers. Social media also allows prospective employees “get to know” the companies they are interested in long before they send in their application.
If you are a job seeker, this article is for you. Here are 3 tips to help you in your job search.
1. Get active on Social Media. News breaks first on social media. If the company you’re interested in working for decides it needs new staff, chances are that it would likely post such opening on social media platforms before it announces openings on traditional channels. Being active on social media also avails you the opportunity to find industry leaders in your field, follow and engage them. Sites like LinkedIn let you join and contribute to stimulating discussions in your field. Contributing to these group discussions will set you apart from the hordes of other job seekers.
2. Be careful what you post on social media. Social media is the first step in the screening process of most companies today. Be careful not to post provocative or inappropriate photos on social media platforms. Such inanities will be forever etched on your digital footprint. Be careful also not to badmouth previous employers, make discriminatory remarks about other races, tribes or religions. Evidence of alcohol or substance abuse are huge turnoffs for companies looking to hire staff. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to posting private issues on social media. Basic rules of human decency should guide your interactions.
3. Create a relevant profile. Your profile should stand out on social media. If possible, use the same profile image on all social platforms. A good headshot and relevant image should serve as your header. State your skills, competencies and specialisations in concise language. Avoid the use of swear words, unnecessary abbreviations and slangs from urban dictionary in crafting your bio. Once you have a great profile and bio, you can use it across all social media platforms in order for you to appear consistent. Perception matters a great deal on social media. Your social media presence should portray you as one ready for a job.
Happy Job Hunting.
About the author: Roman Ajiboye is a freelance writer who loves books, social media and the web. His articles have appeared on thescoopng.com and BlossomNnodim.com. He writes opinion pieces via medium.com/@HammedAjiboye, personal essays on his blog, strictlyroman.wordpress.com and tweets via @HammedAjiboye
