Job Hunting with a Growth Mindset: Prepare for Career Progression
Job hunting isn’t just about finding a role. It’s about the career path that’s on offer too. With this in mind, having a growth mindset is important at every stage…
Hands up if you use social media on a daily basis. And yes, LinkedIn counts.
We’re guessing at least nine out of ten of you do; social media has become such an intrinsic thread in the fabric of our personal and professional lives. In the world of recruitment specifically, scoping out a prospective employee or employer is common practice. Social media networks allow an employer to gain a glimpse of you outside the confines of a traditional resume, and this will often proffer a deeper insight into your personality and character.
If social media plays such a significant role in determining your next successful career move, it goes without saying that you need to get it right. So, before you like, share or tweet your next post, consider the following tips beforehand:
1. Keep it positive
While it may sound obvious, it’s really important to keep your profile from promoting any negativity, especially about former or current employers. If you use Facebook to moan about your job, chances are you’ll do it about your prospective employer as well, and that is something they clearly won’t appreciate!
Equally, being offensive is a big no-no. Social media is not the right platform for any racist or sexist jokes. Put yourself in the shoes of an HR manager and think about what may be considered a red flag. If in doubt, don’t post it.
2. Don’t abandon your professionalism
Yes, Facebook and Instagram are great ways to share holiday snaps, a memorable concert or delicious meal. And there’s nothing wrong with using your personal accounts to share special moments. But… Photos of you looking drunk and dishevelled won’t fill prospective employers with confidence about your work ethic or dedication. Similarly, always check for grammar and typos before you post.
3. Ensure you’re accurate and consistent
Don’t assume that your potential employer will only be looking on LinkedIn to check the facts against your CV. Chances are they will also have a gander at Facebook, Twitter and Google+. The story you tell on each site should be the same, although it’s fine to tailor the information to each as you see fit.
4. Embrace the relevant networks to you
Just as a number of employers will make a decision not to hire an employee based on what they find online, so too can that information influence them to make the hire. Social media can hugely benefit job seekers and it’s quite normal for hiring managers to find positive information on your profile that will lead you to be hired for the job at hand. If you’re in a creative industry, consider signing up to Pinterest and Instagram for example. LinkedIn is of course a standard in the professional world and we would recommend any candidate be active here (even if you’re not looking for a new role right now).
5. Make it work for you
Don’t focus too much on hiding or removing content; instead, work to build a really strong profile that strengthens your application and is representative of your skillset and experience.
If you have no reason to hide the fact, let your networks know you’re looking for a role. Include a link to an online CV if you have one, tweet about your job search and establish yourself as an expert in your field. LinkedIn offers an easy post publishing tool that can be used to your advantage – write opinion pieces in your field or offer best practice advice. There is a plethora of tools available to you. Ensure you make the best use of them!
It’s not the time to be shy when looking for a new role. Get out there and let people know about you, on and offline. Give to your social networking communities, participate in group discussions and share your professional expertise. We promise you, it won’t go unnoticed.
Get in touch with us today to talk about your next career move.
