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Social media touches almost every aspect of our lives and today’s world of searching for jobs is no different. How you engage on social media can impact your hirability, including managing your LinkedIn account well and maintaining a positive image on other social media platforms. Many employers and recruiting managers will utilize social media to learn more about you, so what you have out in the world will be seen.

Use LinkedIn to your advantage

LinkedIn has over 700 million global users, with around 60% aged 25-34. 70% of hiring managers use LinkedIn to source job candidates. Optimize your profile to connect with desired industry professionals and increase the effectiveness of LinkedIn by using it frequently! It is important to continually update your achievements, professional goals and keep your LinkedIn up to date as an out-of-date profile can be a warning sign to employers.

Build your brand: Showing who you are is important. Use the tips below toÌýshowcase yourself

• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of your LinkedIn profile.
• List your skills and request endorsements. This is what separates you from other applicants
• Ask for LinkedIn recommendations from colleagues, mentors or managers.
• Stay active by following relevant companies and influencers.
• Post professional questions and interests to LinkedIn’s news feed.
• Share articles, projects and news related to your professional field and experience.
• Like, share or repost articles from other LinkedIn members to generate more engagement.

Grow your network

• Build a strong network before graduation by connecting with friends, alumni, colleagues, hiring managers, etc.
• Personalize connection requests with a note. LinkedIn users are more likely to respond when you explain why you want to connect.
• Start conversations with recruiters, mentors and professionals in desired industries. Do this to learn more information or to engage in meaningful conversation.
• Accept connections from trusted sources such as peers, co-workers and previous employers

Be wise with social media use

According to a 2023 Harris poll, over 70% of employers admit to checking applicants’ social profiles during the hiring process. It is becoming increasingly common for employers to review a candidate’s online presence to see if they would be a good fit for the company culture and to get a sense of the person. Present yourself well online, including through social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, BeReal, Snapchat and others.

Be mindful of your online image

• What you post directly reflects you, so make sure it’s your best self!
• Stay positive. Most employers are looking for reasons to hire someone, not necessarily digging to find anything negative.
• Google yourself to see what information comes up. If something comes up that you wouldn’t like the world to see, consider making it private or deleting that content.
• Keep your LinkedIn profile professional. Avoid any content that could impact your professional image.

Clean up your online platforms

• Ensure that public accounts accurately represent you. Make accounts private or delete content that may present a red flag for employers, including anything illegal, explicit or profane.
• Delete old social media accounts that you no longer use or may have reflected who you were at a younger age but no longer fit your current life.
• Be honest if an employer asks you about social media content. It’s best to take responsibility and move forward confidently.

Know your rights

Employers can check your public social media platforms and other public content online. In some states, employers also have the right to ask for social media usernames and passwords. If employers ask for in-depth personal information that is unavailable online, be wary! You are entitled to your privacy and should not feel pressured to share anything that makes you feel uncomfortable with an employer.

If you think an employer is discriminating based on information they have found online, contact a Career Services staff member or to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC).

Find support with Career Services

Social media is a great place for employers to get a sense of who you are outside of your resume or application and see how you would fit with their company culture. Take charge of your online presence before you begin your job search to represent yourself well.

Connect with Career Services to learn more about the job search process.