Employers frequently check out social media profiles to get a better sense of a candidate’s qualifications and how well they might fit into the company culture.
Just like in your cover letter, make sure to sprinkle in some relevant keywords or phrases that match the job description. This will help highlight why you’re a fantastic fit! Also, don’t forget to make it super simple for employers to get in touch with you by clearly showcasing your phone number or email address where they can easily see it.
Don’t forget to add a warm and friendly photograph of yourself so that employers can easily recognize you when you come in for your interview! Depending on the social media platform, you might also want to reach out for some lovely recommendations or reviews from colleagues to really highlight your qualifications and showcase your professional image.
Polishing your social media presence before a job interview is an important step in showcasing your professionalism and personal brand.
Here are some tips to help you prepare:
1. Review Privacy Settings
- Ensure that your profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are set to private if they contain content you wouldn’t want potential employers to see.
2. Audit Your Profiles
- Go through each of your public profiles (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) and remove any posts or photos that might be deemed unprofessional or inappropriate.
3. Update Your LinkedIn Profile
- Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete with a professional photo, an engaging headline, a summary that highlights your skills and experiences, and detailed work history.
- Connect with industry professionals and join relevant groups to expand your network.
4. Showcase Relevant Skills
- Highlight skills related to the job you’re applying for by sharing articles or commenting on relevant topics within your field.
5. Engage Professionally
- Like and share content from companies you admire or wish to work for; this shows genuine interest in the industry.
- Participate in discussions about industry trends while maintaining professionalism.
6. Create Positive Content
- If applicable, post original content related to your expertise—such as blog posts or articles—that reflects positively on you as a candidate.
7. Avoid Controversial Topics
- Steer clear of posting about politics, religion, or other divisive subjects that could raise red flags for potential employers.
8. Check Spelling and Grammar
- Review all written content across platforms for typos or grammatical errors; professionalism matters!
9. Google Yourself
- Conduct a search of your name online to see what comes up; ensure there’s nothing damaging associated with it.
10. Ask for Recommendations
- Seek endorsements from colleagues or supervisors on LinkedIn which can enhance credibility
By taking these steps ahead of time, you’ll present yourself as polished and professional during the interview process!
