Putting the Wonderful World of Web to Use

Lets face it, getting a job right after college is quite the challenge. While we think the hiring process is completely out of our hands, it’s not. Digital credibility and branding are both key components when a company is recruiting you for their business. Yes, we need to build our resumes and network, but we also need to present ourselves well on the web. In today’s time, the Internet is one of the most influential mediums out there. It’s guaranteed that the company you applied for is inserting your name into the Google search bar to see if you fit their criteria. What are some ways we can achieve social media dominance? Lets start with the basics.

1.Designate your personal social media accounts from your professional media accounts. → My Twitter is used as my professional social media outlet, while my Facebook is more personal. One rule I go by is to keep Twitter 80% professional and 20% personal. Future employers want to see how you handle yourself and information on a regular basis, but they also want to see who you are as a person. Make it your own, but make boundaries for yourself. My Facebook is set to private, so only my close friends and family can see what I post, unlike my Twitter account.

2.Brand your professional account. → Once you’ve decided the area of work you want to pursue, use it as a tool to grab people’s attention. A personal brand influences and targets a specific audience. Companies want people who are passionate about their business and are interested in hiring those who like what they’re doing.

3.Offer information that is important and valuable. → The more important your post, tweet or blog is, the more you will command an employer’s attention. Nobody wants to here you complain about miniscule things, like how your cat got sick.

4.Don’t want your boss to see it? Don’t post it. Period. → It’s surprising how many people forget how public the Internet is. Do you hate your job so much you want to Tweet about it? Think twice. I’ve heard too many stories of people getting fired because they didn’t know their boss could see the post.

5.Go out and make connections, don’t wait for them to come to you. → Once you get back from a networking event or dinner with a professional, don’t wait for them to contact you. Get on Twitter and start communicating with them. Connections are key in today’s job market.