No Employer Will Tell You This… (So I Will)
Summary
- It's important to maintain your social media profiles because employers look at them first before your resume.
- Employers check LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to form an initial impression.
- If employers like what they see on your social media, they will refer back to your resume to confirm your experience.
- Just like customers check a business's social media before their website, employers do the same with potential hires.
- I no longer screen resumes first; I screen social media profiles.
- Make sure your social media reflects the kind of person you want to be seen as professionally.
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How To Take Action
I suggest focusing on making your social media profiles look professional and organized because employers often check these before even reading your resume. Here's what you can do:
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LinkedIn: This is the most critical profile for job seekers. Make sure your job history is updated, and your profile picture looks professional. Share industry-related posts or articles to show you are engaged in your field.
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Twitter: Clean up your tweets if they are too personal or controversial. Retweet and comment on industry leaders' posts to show your interest and knowledge in your area of work.
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Facebook: Update your profile picture and cover photo to something neutral and professional. Check your privacy settings and remove any tags or posts that might not paint you in a professional light.
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Instagram: If you use Instagram, make sure your public posts are appropriate for professional viewing. Consider sharing some content related to your field or personal achievements.
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TikTok: If you are on TikTok, ensure your content aligns with the professional image you want to project. Even if it is less formal, it should still be tasteful.
A good way to ensure your profiles reflect well on you is by having a friend or mentor review them. They can help you spot any red flags or inconsistencies.
These steps are low-cost and don’t take a lot of time but have high value in improving your chances of making a great first impression on employers.
