Social Media Tips: 7 Ways to Social Media Can Change Your Career Trajectory
At Staff Australia, we all use social media. In today’s technologically driven world, it is impossible to escape. Over the last decade, social media has dramatically changed the way we connect, communicate, and share information.
According to DataReportal, Australia is home to more than 20 million social media users, which is equivalent to over 78% of the population. Social media can be an incredibly powerful tool for both job seekers and employers. Social platforms can be used to network, showcase skills, and find new opportunities. However, when used incorrectly or irresponsibly, your digital footprint may be your ultimate downfall.
In this blog, we’ll provide you with invaluable advice and insights, aimed to offer you with some guidance as you search for your next job. Your social media presence is a 24/7 reflection of yourself.
Here’s how you can use social media effectively in your job search:
1. Use LinkedIn
Did you know that 6 people are hired every minute on LinkedIn? LinkedIn is considered to be a go-to platform for professional networking all over the world. In Australia, over 15 million of us have a LinkedIn profile, making it a prime space for job seekers.
Ensure your profile is complete with a professional photo, a compelling headline, and a detailed summary of your skills and experiences. Highlight your accomplishments and use keywords related to your industry to increase visibility in LinkedIn search results.
2. Create a Professional Online Presence
Although LinkedIn is the most used platform for professional interactions, keep in mind that hiring managers will do their due diligence. 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates, of this number, 54% of them found information that negatively influenced hiring decisions. It is highly likely that an employer will try to find you on other social media platforms, including, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
3. Engage with Industry Groups and Pages
Australia is full of jobs that we cannot always see, as a matter of fact, around 80% of job openings are never advertised! Joining and actively participating in LinkedIn or Facebook groups related to your industry can keep you informed about potential job opportunities. By engaging in industry-related discussions you’ll have the ability to connect with industry leaders and potential recruiters, which may further lead to job referrals.
4. Follow Recruitment Agencies and Industry Leaders
Stay informed about job opportunities and industry trends by following employment agencies, job providers or companies you’re interested in working with. A study by Jobvite found that 35% of employers in Australia use social media to post job listings.
5. Build a Creative Portfolio on Social Media
As previously mentioned, if you have a Facebook or Instagram account, your employer has probably seen it. But this can be greatly advantageous for those who are looking for a career in a creative industry or executive role. For those in creative industries like graphic design, photography, or marketing, Instagram can be a valuable tool. This platform can be used showcase creative projects and achievements. Create a separate professional account if necessary and use relevant hashtags to attract potential employers.
6. Reconnect with University or High School Alumni
More than 70% of jobs are found using online connections. We’ve all heard it before, it’s all about who you know, not what you know. Many schools and universities have alumni groups on LinkedIn or Facebook. By joining these groups, you’ll have the ability to expand your network and connect with their networks. This can provide you with job leads, mentorship, and industry insights. Regardless of the industry, establishing the right connections can generate a multitude of possibility.
7. Learn from Industry Experts
Social media is a great tool that is free to use (for the most part). By following key influencers and leaders in your job or career industry, you can leverage off their skills and insights to further expand your knowledge. Many industry experts host webinars, and online workshops., which can help you to identify job opportunities and develop new skills. By following industry leaders, joining industry-specific groups, and creating a personal brand, you can effectively use social media to enhance your online professional presence.
Yes, social media is great, but be cautious.
Think about it – you’re on your best behaviour during a job interview. But your social media profiles are often a truly realistic reflection of you.
As employers are increasingly looking at people’s social media pages to see whether they are worthy of hiring, you should be careful about what you post online. Job seekers should curate their profiles to highlight achievements, maintain professionalism, and engage in industry-related discussions to enhance their attractiveness to potential employers and boost career opportunities.
Your LinkedIn Checklist:
Use this checklist to optimise your LinkedIn profile and maximize your professional presence:
- Update your Profile Photo: Use a professional, high-quality headshot.
- Add a Cover Photo: Add a relevant and professional background image.
- Create a Headline: Write a headline that highlights your current role and key skills.
- Add Location and Work Experience: Select the most relevant industry for your profession.
- Add an About Me Summary: Craft an engaging summary that outlines your experience, skills, and career goals.
- Include Accomplishments: Include any professional certifications, skills, academic achievements, or licences.
- Make Connections: Connect with colleagues, industry leaders, and professionals in your field.
- Set up Job Alerts: Get alerts for roles you’re interested in.
