Using social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter can help you engage with prospective employers as a form of networking.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the premier professional social networking site that should be utilized in your job search. Once you have a LinkedIn profile established, use it to connect with colleagues, business and organization associates, friends, faculty/mentors, and so on. Make sure to include all skills in which you are proficient; employers use LinkedIn as a talent recruitment tool. Ask colleagues and faculty members with whom you have a good relationship to write a LinkedIn Recommendation about you.

Facebook

Use Facebook to keep current on what is happening with employers with whom you may be interested in working. At times they will share current news, stories about their business/organization, and activities in the community. You can use information you gather and read about during other networking opportunities and even in job interviews.

Twitter

Twitter is a great social media tool to interact with potential employers. You are restricted to 280 characters, but when done well, you can have short “conversations” which can lead to recognition if applying for a job with their organization.

• You can easily share (re-Tweet) posts they have and use it to engage with the organization.
• If they share news or a story about their organization, read it and let them know what you liked about it.

Blogs

One of the top skills sought by employers is the ability to communicate effectively and well. Blogging is a great way to showcase your communication skills and expertise on certain topics. In addition to popular blogging sites such as WordPress and Blogger, LinkedIn also offers a blogging feature. Blogs and websites are also a way to promote your visual/digital portfolio. You may not want to share your entire portfolio, but enough to generate interest with those with whom you share it.

Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media in Your Job Search

Dos

• If you are looking to develop and enhance your personal brand, use the same images for your profile photos on social media.
• Try to post, engage and share on social media in a positive manner.
• Maintain a professional presence. There are a growing number of individuals that maintain separate, professional and personal Facebook and Twitter accounts.
• Google yourself, often! If there are photos or posts that could be considered questionable or shed a negative light on you, it is recommended that you delete them. If someone else has you tagged in one of their photos on Facebook or Instagram, un-tag yourself.

Don’t

• Use social media to continually vent in a negative manner.
• Post photos of yourself in a way that may embarrass you or have it used against you at a later time.
• Engage on social media in a way that would be considered offensive or that belittles others.
• Forget to make your settings on the various sites private. This does not guarantee others may not see the information or your activity on social media if you choose to share information that could potentially affect your professional goals.