• Learn how to create and maintain a professional presence on social media platforms
• Understand how to network with professionals and organizations through social media
• Understand how LinkedIn is utilized for recruiting talent and job searching

Social Media for Careers

Social media has transcended its original purpose of connecting friends and family to become a pivotal tool in professional networking and recruitment. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook have opened up new avenues for professionals to showcase their skills, connect with peers and industry leaders, and explore career opportunities. For organizations, social media provides a dynamic platform to attract, engage, and recruit top talent, leveraging the reach of digital networks and employer branding. 

Building a Professional Online Presence

Not all social media platforms are created equal, especially when it comes to professional networking. LinkedIn, with its business-focused environment, is a leading platform for professional networking and job searching. X offers a more casual space for engaging in industry conversations, and Facebook’s groups can also serve as a valuable resource for connecting with others in your industry. However, if you work in a creative role, your professional networks might be better served on platforms such as Instagram and Behance. Doing your research and selecting the right platform(s) is the first step in building a professional online presence.

Optimize Your Profile^[1]

A well-crafted social media profile can serve as your digital resume and first impression to potential employers and connections. Key elements that employers look for include:

• A Professional Photo: A clear, professional headshot conveys seriousness and approachability. The photo doesn’t need to be taken by a professional photographer but your appearance should align with the norms in the industry in which you are seeking work. A study from Harvard University found that profiles with photos are 14 times more likely to be viewed than those without.
• A Compelling Headline: Summarize your professional identity in 120 characters. If you are unsure, use some words and phrases that are connected with the jobs you are seeking.
• Skills and Experiences: Your position titles should match the ones on your résumé and the description of each of your experiences should include quantifiable accomplishments if possible (e.g. percent increase in sales, size of budgets managed). You can use the same descriptions that you used on your résumé.
• A robust network: If you have no connections on your profile, a recruiter might wonder if the profile is real. It’s important to make connections with people who know your work and can endorse your skills. You can also reach out to connect with people you admire, people who work within your industry, or employees at companies where you’d like to work in the future.

Make sure to keep your profile updated. If a hiring manager sees an outdated profile, they may jump to the conclusion that you have not been growing in your career.^[2]

Create and Share Content

Creating and sharing content related to your field can position you as a thought leader and keep you visible in your network. Some ways you can engage include:

• Engage with Current Events: Share and comment on news relevant to your industry.
• Create Original Content: Blog posts, infographics, or short videos can showcase your expertise and insights.
• Curate Quality Content: Share valuable content from others, adding your own commentary to spark discussions.

Online Best Practices

Navigating the line between professional and personal online can be challenging. Adjusting privacy settings to control who sees what content is important. For example, perhaps you use an Instagram account to communicate with your friends. If the use is purely personal, you may wish to keep it private. However, for employers to find you on LinkedIn, you would need to adjust your account settings to allow your profile to be searchable.

Additionally, maintaining a professional demeanor in all online interactions and being respectful of differing opinions are key to establishing a positive online presence. Think carefully before you post; some types of content could potentially hurt your professional brand.

What NOT to Post on LinkedIn^[3]

1. Avoid Political or Controversial Topics: Such discussions can polarize your audience and harm your professional credibility.
2. Posting Negative Feedback or Voicing Complaints: Criticizing your job, colleagues, or clients publicly can damage your credibility and undermine your professional relationships.
3. Posting Content That Lacks Professionalism: Inappropriate, offensive, or vulgar content can undermine your credibility.
4. Sharing Unrelated Content: Focus on topics that align with your professional interests and industry to add value to your network.
5. Overdoing Self-Promotion: Balance self-promotional posts with valuable insights and content for your audience.
6. Sharing Excessively Personal Information: LinkedIn is for professional updates, and personal events might not be relevant to your network. Oversharing personal details can be perceived as unprofessional, especially by potential employers.
7. Utilizing Clichés and Overused Buzzwords: Using too many buzzwords can make your content seem inauthentic.
8. Creating Misleading Headlines or Clickbait Titles: Misleading headlines can erode trust and credibility among your audience.
9. Disclosing Confidential or Proprietary Information: Sharing sensitive company information can lead to legal issues and damage trust.

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