In recent years, the importance of maintaining a positive online reputation has become a priority for young adults looking to land a job and build meaningful relationships with professionals within their occupation. Given the easy-access to virtually anyone’s digital footprint, many employers and potential mentors have screened social media before any interaction. With all of this in mind, how can you complete a successful content review to ensure that your social media pages are an accurate representation of yourself? Further, how can you use your social media presence as a means of networking, obtaining jobs, and showcasing your skills and personality? Read on to learn more.
Clean Up Your Content
Cleaning up your content means to assess the appropriateness of the media you have posted. If that means deleting photos of you with alcohol or wearing an offensive shirt, then you are taking the right steps. While deleting the inappropriate content is great, remember that your digital footprint lasts forever. As the saying goes: If you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see it, you probably shouldn’t post it online.
Consider Your Language
Considering your language and tone is essential to maintaining a possible digital footprint. This shouldn’t be news to anyone, but a Google search will prove that hundreds, if not thousands of people have been fired from their jobs over a single Tweet or Facebook post. It’s as simple as watching what you say when it comes to politics, race, culture, etc. While you are free to have opinions, a company may be less inclined to accept you into a position if your strong opinions do not align with company values. As for networking, the professional may be unable to see past your stances, which can make finding common ground difficult.
On top of this, insensitive use of derogatory language can ruin your reputation. Even if your language is used as a joke, you could polarize yourself from new opportunities, perspectives, and learning. This goes beyond social media to messaging and in-person conversations. Both the hiring manager and person you’re trying to network with will not want to engage with you.
List Your Experience & Skill Set
Once you’ve purged your profiles of unwanted content, you should utilize sections—particularly on LinkedIn to highlight your skills, experience, and current employment. LinkedIn provides sections such as job experience, education, skills, volunteer work, biography, and interests, among others. To optimize the following sections, be honest and detailed about your experiences to showcase your value.
However, when listing your career aspirations, it’s suggested that you avoid boxing yourself in. This can alienate professionals looking to network and limit your ability to make connections across the field. Additionally, this could sway you away from recruiters. The best practice is to focus on highlighting your current activities, the skills you offer, and your past achievements. This signals to professionals and recruiters that you are open to a wide range of opportunities.
Reach Out & Make Connections
While your online profile may be accessible to both professionals and recruiters, your networking efforts are not complete. You should go one step further by messaging companies, management, and experts.
Example:
Hello [NAME],
I noticed that you’re currently working at [company name] as a [position name]. I’m reaching out to connect and learn more about your role and the work you’re doing. I’m particularly interested in [mention specific industry or efforts they’re part of] and would love to hear more about your experience.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing back from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
While the message above is a great example, be sure to add your own personal touch and make it short and sweet. Additionally, it’s important to remember that some professionals will not interact with you unless you present some type of value. Even if you have little to no experience, showcase that you’re confident and ready to take on your desired industry. Confidence goes a long way!
Ready to level up your career? Apply our networking and social media tips to your profiles so you can stand out in our job application process.
