Companies are increasingly using social media as a recruitment tool, with hiring managers routinely looking at profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to inform their selection process. In fact, around seven in ten organizations now use social media for recruitment purposes, according to the latest data from XpertHR. Despite this, as job seekers, we often don’t leverage our social media skills to find that perfect job. Here are six ways to tap into the social hiring strategy trend to boost your career.
1. Don’t be everywhere at once
There are plenty of places for you to establish or bolster your online presence. The question you need to answer is which social network will be your go-to platform? If you have multiple accounts on different platforms, but none of them are updated, you’ll appear out of touch. Instead, choose one or two and make sure your presence is robust and timely.
2. Keep your private accounts private
Almost everyone has a Facebook page, a Twitter account, and a LinkedIn profile. Suppose you use Facebook for your personal life and your Twitter account for sharing political articles. These accounts should be private, not public. You don’t need a hiring manager checking out those party selfies that don’t present you in a mature, positive light. You also don’t need potentially offensive or politically divisive material out there for everyone to see.
3. Your public face should be one you can show the world
Once you’ve decided to maintain a professional profile on one or two platforms, make sure it looks good. This includes an uncluttered layout, and information presented concisely and with correct grammar. In addition, tailor the content of your profile to your desired audience. Think about your social media presence as personal branding. You want people to know who you are and what you represent.
4. If you’re going to be on social media, be active
If you don’t plan to post frequently, you might decide you want to use LinkedIn as a convenient place to lead potential clients or employers to your profile. People often post updates and join groups on LinkedIn, but there isn’t the same expectation to be constantly active as there is on other sites. However, if you use Twitter for professional purposes, it’s advisable to post regularly. You should also make sure to follow people with relevant interests and interact with your followers. Doing so allows people to get to know you in a way they otherwise wouldn’t be able to —you can showcase your personality, intellect, and professional knowledge through your posts and shares.
5. Be active, not an avalanche.
It’s not necessary —and likely imprudent —to post 30 articles and 60 updates in a day. Once you decide to be active, think about scheduling your posts so that you don’t run out of steam. A barrage of posts and shares, followed by total silence, is not likely to gain you a reputation for consistency.
Two related pieces of advice are to avoid using social media to communicate with potential employers. Once you have an interview, for example, refrain from following up on social media. In addition, personalize connection requests you sent to people you don’t know. Let them know you’re not simply attempting to amass contacts. Once the connection is accepted, cultivate it. Set up a phone call or exchange messages.
The University of Miami’s online degree programs provides you with the skills needed to advance your career, increase your earning potential, develop your business skills, and grow your network. To find out more, call the advisors toll free on 800-411-2290 or visit the site for more information.
