From Tiger King costumes to TikTok dances, viewing social media the last several months has been interesting to say the least. Also during this time, many young people have utilized these resources to further their professional development. For example, Kent State alumna Jenna Palek produced a TikTok video to show the organization why she should work for them, and luckily the algorithm worked in her favor! She is now a full-time employee with the company in what she noted as her dream city – Austin, Texas.
Getting creative via social media is starting to seem like the new normal to land a job. We’ve partnered with Career Exploration and Development to share the following tips to help you get the most out of social media while on the job search.
Curate Your Content
Before anything else, review your social media accounts for unprofessional content. Consider yourself a brand and be cognizant of what you are portraying. Even if you are not specifically using social media to try to land a job, cleaning up your accounts should be the first course of action you take before job hunting. Employers can easily find your accounts and if they see something they don’t like, your chances in earning the job may be hindered. A general rule of thumb is: If you even question if a post is appropriate, remove it. Better safe than sorry.
Include Keywords
An easy and effective way to catch a brand’s attention is to utilize keywords within your social media accounts. Use tools like LinkedIn to determine keywords related to your field or occupation of interest. By having these simple, yet effective words in social media titles, it’ll be easier for a recruiter to find your account and see your compatibility with the company. Titles like “Fashion Blogger” or “Stock Specialist” are just some of many different phrases that can potentially make a huge difference in your job hunt.
Network, Network, Network
Networking is one of the most important factors in job searching. Continue to build your network by joining groups. To start, look for groups related to Kent State, your major, or career for example. Having a circle of like-minded people with the same goals and interests is an easy way to build connections for the future. Groups like this are super easy to not only aid in your professional development, but also make friends. Supporting one another in your goals and ambitions will only help you both succeed even more.
Be Consistent
As most know, social media never rests. Being consistent is one of the best things you can do for your platform. Staying up to date, continuously engaging and always connecting with new people are just some of many ways to keep a fresh image on your accounts. This can be seen as time-consuming and even boring to some, but it doesn’t have to be. Rather than mindlessly scrolling while online, set aside time dedicated to sharing engaging posts on LinkedIn or planning content that will help increase your following.
Virtually Prepared
While we still grapple with the pandemic and more companies are more likely to have virtual appointments, it’s never a bad idea to stay prepared for potential video introductions. Practicing your elevator pitch is one of many ways you can make sure you’re ready for that last-minute Zoom call. Stay aware of your surroundings in your background. What is shown on your screen is a perfect way to subtly tell the employer about yourself. Although a background should never be anything too distracting, something like a feature wall or seasonal clothing rack is an easy way to communicate who you are beyond your resume.
Now that your social media is all up to date, it’s time to apply for your dream job! Before you get started on that application, make yourself aware of the brand. Do your research prior to applying for any position. Use tools such as LinkedIn, Twitter etc. to find out as much as possible about the organization and position. Understanding the brand’s mission, goals and ethics is one of the best ways to automatically align yourself with them. Having this knowledge can make your application stand out more to the employers as they’ll see how much you already know.
Utilizing what you have available to you through the power of social media is one of the best ways to set yourself ahead of your competitors. Make use of the countless number of resources available online and watch how your platforms will flourish with your career not far behind. These tips and tricks are just the beginning when there’s a whole world of websites to access out there. Now go make the next viral TikTok, post that eye-catching Instagram story, share an inspirational tweet and land that job!
Learn more about Career Exploration and Development or email career@kent.edu for more information. You can also find more tips and tricks from CED via Facebook and Twitter.