by Lauren Corcino
Social media is a daily part of our lives. We love to see what our friends and family are up to and post about what‘s going on in our lives. We often forget that what we post on social media may be on our profiles forever – and can come back to haunt you later. As we begin to start our job searches, it’s time for us to move past using social media as a personal diary and more as a promotional tool for ourselves
In the career world, websites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google + allow employers to be able to get a personal look at the potential employee that a resume does not provide. According to CareerBuilder.com, 37 percent of employers use social media sites to screen candidates in the hiring process. The question is, how should we use social media profiles to complement our professional aspirations and not ruin them?
Each social media site holds its own unique sets of advantages for self-promotion. Utilize these sites to interact with companies that you admire and would like to work for. This will help you get to know the company on a more intimate level and be able to show knowledge of the company in your interview.
When posting, it is important to consider the impact that your post will have on all parties involved – your friends, your employers and co-workers. You should consider how you want to appear on your profile to the individuals viewing it. Keep it professional by not using profanity and double checking your spelling and grammar before you post. Be mindful that the written word can be easily misconstrued, so carefully consider how the tone of your posts and how they will come across.
Comb through your profiles and take down anything that could be considered unprofessional. You want to make sure that you are presenting yourself in a positive light. Remember, when it comes to social media, the key is to create a personal brand that you would be proud of. Find your interests and start catering your social media content to fit your brand, so you can snag your perfect job.
Lauren Corcino is a senior Mass Communication and Spanish major at Georgia College & State University. Lauren is the Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor at “The Colonnade” and enjoys volunteering, crafting and spending time outdoors in her spare time.