Social media networks were once considered a social outlet in our personal lives, but they have now become a vital part of our professional lives as well. This shift in use has left us with questions about the fine balance of using social media to enhance our professional reputation, without hurting it. Social media expert, Guy Kawasaki says that “every profile is a professional profile”, meaning that every social media platform you use is a reflection of your professional self, even if you didn’t intend it to be.
A study conducted by Reppler, a social media monitoring service, found that 91% of employers surveyed screened candidates through social media and 47% of that screening is done when the application comes in. So how do we make use of social media platforms in a personal way while still remaining professional?
Below are some general tips to keep in mind when presenting yourself through social media.
Start with your Profile
Your profile is how people will find and follow you on social media. Creating an ‘about me’ section that references your profession is a clear indication that the account is used for professional purposes and tells your followers the topics you will likely be commenting on. Keywords contained in your profile will also affect your searchability. On specific networks such as LinkedIn or Facebook, keyword searches will bring up suggested contacts and this is a great way to expand your professional network.
The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” can be directly applied to your social media profiles. Be sure your picture is saying something meaningful. A profile photo should be a picture of your face: a clear, recognizable and flattering photo. Adding in other people (or animals, or things!), can become confusing or worse, offensive!
Get Personal
Social media is about engaging around topics that interest you and your followers. It’s important to include some personality in your profiles as long as the information positively contributes to how people perceive you. Adding personality can be valuable, however, take into account the tone and the discussion and respond appropriately. Sometimes meaning or intent can get lost when typed on a keyboard. Keep in mind, profiles can easily be searched and viewed by employers or coworkers and is not the place to discuss sensitive subjects.
Use Privacy Settings
Social media offers so many opportunities to explore, network and collaborate. However, people often make the mistake of thinking their accounts are private when they are not. Consider who you want to view your profile and adjust your privacy settings accordingly. Even with privacy settings most people can still search and view your profile and photo. They may not know that you want to use Facebook for personal reasons, but that won’t stop them from making a judgement based on your profile. Always consider who could ‘potentially’ see your account, not just who you intend to see it.
Social media is a powerful networking tool to help you in your professional goals. By being true to yourself and keeping a positive tone on all your interactions, you will reap the best rewards. Just remember, the internet never forgets.
References:
Social Media today.com
http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/infographic-how-recruiters-use-social-media-screen-applicants/