Social Media and Job Searching

7 December 2021

Social media is one of the most powerful tools in today’s society, it can either help or hinder you. Depending on how you use it, it could put your current role at risk. However, it could help with job searching! Here are some tips on how to use it to the best of your ability:

  1.  Privacy settings 

Remember to make sure your privacy settings are set to high. If they are too low people who you don’t even know may be able to see your photos and  posts you’ve been tagged in. Sometimes these may not be in your favour and if your boss-to-be sees some of these they may hinder your chances of getting the job role.  

  1.  Check what is online under your name

One of the easiest ways to find out what comes up under you name when you’re searched for is to Google your name. This will show the links to your social media, possibly some photos you’ve uploaded or been tagged in and possibly some comments you have made on social media channels. Make sure that you would be happy for an employer to see this or someone you didn’t know. It is very easy to find information that you don’t want people to know. 

  1.  Be consistent 

Make sure that your CV matches up with what is on your LinkedIn profile, as well as your Facebook or other social media outlets you have. Does one say you were an administrative assistant at a company, but your CV says you were the manager? It could be a bad sign for employers if you say you have all these qualifications and experience, but it does not match up anywhere else. Make sure they are consistent and that all the information you decide to show works with the image you are giving the employer. 

  1.  Are the people you are connected going to aid you?

Some people say that the more friends you have on Facebook and the more people you follow on Twitter the better. This is the case if you want to be a Social Media Influencer but think about how you’re using your social media to benefit your employment prospects. Are the people your friends with able to help you with what you need? Do you have anything in common or are you just connecting with them for the sake of it?  Make sure you are looking to aid your work. 

  1. Complete your social media in your own time.

It is very easy to get swept up in social media, a quick job search can often turn into a few hours of applying. You want to try and keep good relationships with your current company as you want a good recommendation from them but also to keep a door open for the future. You won’t be the first person to do a job search at work, but this is not a good idea as companies are able to monitor your work computer or email account.