Written by Sonal Patel - Career Advisor - Student and Graduate Employment
“The first thing I do when someone applies for a job in my company is search their name on Google and check their social media. If I don’t like what I see, I move to the next resume right way” – a discerning Employer and also digital age reality check
How much time do you spend in the glow of a screen, scrolling through the endless feeds of social media? No seriously, how much? Actually, don’t just think - check your daily average “Time Spent” from “Your Activity” on Instagram or TikTok.
The time you spend browsing, posting, sharing, reacting, and commenting is building your online presence, aka your digital footprint, which will be seen by many employers when they “look you up”. What they find could be the golden ticket to your next job interview or the reason your resume is gathering digital dust. Here are some of the dos and don’ts of social media (LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X (formally Twitter), TikTok) while job searching.
DO:
Google Yourself
- Conduct a thorough self-search including name, email, phone number, and photo if provided in the resume
Engage
- Follow companies and individuals that inspire you
- Like and share content that is produced by companies you’d like to work for
- Comment on posts and discussions that let you add value or show how knowledgeable you are
- Research potential employers/companies
- Stay in the know about industry buzz, trends, development and news
Network
- Grow and cultivate your network with new connections
- Nurture your existing network
Showcase your skills
- Spotlight your skills, accomplishments, and passion projects
- Share insights and interests that align with your field
Maintain professionalism
- Keep your tone professional
- Be mindful to avoid posting inappropriate content
- Your attitude should be respectful, courteous, and positive
Set privacy setting
- Do a deep dive into your settings and make sure you have your privacy settings set at a level you feel comfortable with
- Remove old content that may be inappropriate or unprofessional
- Keep content clean and career-friendly
Pay Attention to the Time Zone
- Consider when your audience is online
- Post at the right time for more visibility
Use LinkedIn
- Regularly update your profile
- Connect in meaningful ways with professionals in your field
- Search for opportunities/jobs
Proofread
- Check and correct spelling and grammar mistakes
- Use spellcheck
DON’T
Overshare
- Your public profile isn’t your diary
- Avoid sharing overly personal details
- Be mindful of the content you post/share because the internet never forgets
- Think twice before posting
- Remember some things are best kept offline
Share Negative Posts
- Never badmouth your former workplaces, employers and colleagues
- Don’t use your social media as a venting outlet about work
Overstep boundaries
- Always respect other’s privacy
- Avoid sending requests to strangers without proper introduction
- Refrain from asking for favours from people who are not familiar with your work
Be creepy online
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Don’t troll anyone
In the end, it’s about balance – knowing when to share and when to step back. Using common sense matters. Use social media as it’s intended - to connect, inform, and educate. Showcase your best professional self and remember virtual first impressions matter as much as physical ones.
If you’re still unsure whether your social media platforms are “employment-ready,” consider getting them reviewed by one of our Career Advisors or Career Coaches. You can book an appointment through CareerReady or email us at careercentre [at] mohawkcollege.ca (careercentre[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca).
