Why Your Social Media Influences Your Employability

Chances are, when you made your social media, you thought you would just be using it to connect and chat with friends. Now it’s classified as a necessity in most people's lives. Sharing memes, selling items, posting events and even listing jobs through social media is now the trend, making it deeply integrated into our lives.

Nowadays, potential employers can search the internet and find your social media in a matter of seconds. By looking through your profiles, they may see posts you didn’t even remember existed. So, improving your employability isn’t just about getting work experience; sometimes it can be as simple as sorting out your social media profiles.

Social Media Turn-Offs
You could have the perfect CV for your dream job; however, get rejected due to a simple search of your name. There are ways to use social media that can damage your chances of getting a job. Let's go through them!

Firstly, everything you upload needs to be thought through. For example, posting pictures of you drinking copious amounts of alcohol, or swearing in every other status update isn’t going to benefit you. Try to keep a relatively PG online presence.

It may also be wise to spell-check your posts. Spelling mistakes can be your enemy and you never know who is reading your posts.

Spending too much time on social media is a widespread habit. Although you may love spending hours surfing the web, employers may be able to see your dedication to social media, which might not be what they are looking for. Try and cut it down where you can.

Also, keep an eye on what others are posting on their social media. Even if it isn't directly on your profile, if your friends are tagging you in posts, a potential recruiter could also see those.

Social Media Turn-Ons
If you think before you post, you’re far more likely to avoid errors. Don’t share things without reading them properly first. This doesn’t mean you have to be bland, as you can still let your personality shine through. Employers will be looking to see if you fit their company culture, so create social media pages that show off a little about yourself.

However, make sure you monitor your online identity too. The majority of employers will Google your name as soon as you enter the application process. Search your name to see what recruiters are seeing and what they can find out without much digging.

Also, remember to use each platform for what they are made for. Show off the laidback side of you on Facebook and the more professional on LinkedIn. If you have a blog site that you are proud of, why not link it in your CV?

Edit your privacy settings to ensure maximum security. This is such a simple thing, but could cost you a job if ignored. All you need to do is set your profile to maximum privacy, and then only your friends and followers will be able to see your posts. Though this doesn’t mean you can post that video of you drinking a beer in 5 seconds every day.

Our last tip is to follow pages that relate to the industry you want to enter. This shows that you’re proactive through keeping up-to-date on industry news.

Use LinkedIn
If you’re looking for social media to help your job search, then LinkedIn is the one for you. It is a social media platform that can be used as a research tool.

LinkedIn is the most popular medium for recruitment with 9 out of 10 companies using it when looking for employees.

Whether you find a job via LinkedIn or add to your professional network, it’s a great way to engage with others. You can connect with companies and those who work there.

If you follow these top tips, then you will have a squeaky-clean online presence. So, be mindful of what you post and smash your next job application!