Top Ways to Optimize Your Social Media Today

Want recruiters to come to you?

Share your story on social media – your “career story,” that is.

As we mentioned in this earlier post, your career story is the message you craft to capture recruiters’ attention, position yourself as an ideal candidate and ultimately land the interview.

While applying to jobs online and building your professional network will always be important in your job search, social media has undeniably become a powerful tool connecting talent with opportunity:

• The Muse says 92% of employers use social media to recruit job seekers.
• Betterteam reports 70% of hiring managers leverage social platforms to screen candidates.

So if you want to find a great job faster, get social to land it. Here’s how:

Update your social profiles.

• Review content on all your accounts through a potential employer’s lens. If there’s anything on them that’s questionable, take it down.
• Review your contact information, your profile photos, your digital resume, as well as links to work examples, to make sure information is accurate, complete and up to date, and that it puts your best foot forward.
• Lock down your privacy settings, so that you can control what recruiters are able to see moving forward.

Tell a consistent story across platforms.

• Keep your image professional and consistent across all the platforms you use regularly.
• Make sure each social media profile shares your career story: a brief, chronological synopsis of who you are, what you do (better or differently than anyone else), and your essential attributes. Your “bio” section is the perfect place to showcase this information.
• If appropriate, add links to your professional website, project examples, or even testimonials or recommendations.

Get – and stay – active on the right platforms.

• Choose one or two platforms that are ideal for your career, and commit to using them intentionally.
• Connect to employers on each platform: follow them; join their talent communities; watch for their job postings.
• Join groups to build your network and identify job leads.
• Connect with staffing and recruiting agencies like PrideStaff. We work with leading employers across the nation to help find them talent. In fact, many times we post jobs that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
• Get involved. Read a great article on trends in your industry? Post the link and share your take on the piece. Are you a talented writer? Publish original content relevant to your field. Whether you’re writing, sharing or just commenting, engaging on social platforms is a great way to share your passion for your career – and capture recruiters’ attention.

A word of caution: Be mindful of privacy issues.

If you’re employed, don’t let your online search jeopardize your current job. Protect yourself by managing the privacy settings on each social platform you use and limiting access to your essential contact information (e.g., name, address, phone, etc.). Finally, set up a personal email account (that doesn’t include your name) for recruiters to use to contact you.

Ready to write the next chapter in your career story?

Whether you’re currently employed, looking for a new job or ready to re-enter the workforce, PrideStaff is your ideal job search partner. Search local jobs or apply with PrideStaff today!