How to use your personal social media channels to affect your career
Photo by Jakob Owens from Unsplash
By: Naomi Baker
We live in a world where almost everyone uses social media. In fact, 72% of all internet users are on social media (Liz Seasholtz, Social Hire). Social media is no longer used to only communicate with your close friends or family. People, organizations and companies all over the world are constantly looking for new individuals to hire. Social media shapes their first impression of who you are as a person and what you represent as an individual. Therefore, it is extremely important to use your social media platforms correctly and appropriately.
“Your social media presence is how you present yourself to the world – and that includes current and future employers.” – Liz Seasholtz
To many of us, the use of appropriate social media seems like common sense. However, there are ways your personal social channels can jeopardize your future without you even realizing it. Social media has tons of opportunities right now. For some, it could mean networking correctly to finally reach your career goals. For others, it could mean the end of your career. Complaints about your job, boss or customers online can affect your career. However, what you might not realize is that one post can also affect your career. Something as simple as sharing your latest job offer on social media can result in the company revoking their offer. Just because you have the job offer does not mean it’s a guarantee.
Positivity is another thing to keep in mind when it comes to posting about your latest job offer. Even if you want opinions from your friends, the best way to get advice is to ask questions in person. One woman actually posted “Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work.” Unfortunately, a Cisco employee saw the post and she lost the job before she even started (J.T Ripton, CareerCast).
Social media can also affect your future and career in many positive ways too. In 2016, 60% of employers used social media to screen candidates before hiring. One year later, that percentage has grown to 70% (Lauren Salm, Career Builder). I believe this percentage will grow each year. Now that we know this, we can use this information to our advantage. Once you have decided what direction you want to pursue in your career, post about things that will make you stand out to an employer or recruiter. For example, share information that is not only relevant to your life, but the job you apply for. Employers want to make sure you fit well with their company, so show them what interests you. Another way you can use social media in a positive way is to think before you post. If you are questioning whether or not to post something, just don’t do it.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to using social media appropriately is to be you. Company culture is a key aspect when it comes to being happy with your career. You want to work with individuals who share the same interests and hold the same morals as you do so don’t be fake online just to get a job offer. Use your social media to represent what you’re all about and the right employers will find you. Remember: your happiness is more important than a job title.