What does your social media say about you?

Have you ever stopped to ponder what your social media style actually says about you? Have you stopped to think about how each social media platform you use is a way to market yourself to the world? If not, it may be time to rethink how you use social media. Social media is constantly growing and evolving, which means we have to take action to ensure we are presenting ourselves as authentically (and professionally) as possible. In a survey conducted by CareerBuilder, 43% of employers are using social media to further research potential employees. 51% of those employers have not hired someone based on items they have posted on social media. (CareerBuilder) With more employers turning to social media to research potential employees, it makes sense that we need to do more to market ourselves as we want future employers to see us. Make conscience efforts to:

  • Use appropriate spelling/grammar
  • Post about things that interest you
  • Be creative
  • Toot your own horn (talk about your accomplishments)
  • Acknowledge others' accomplishments

Think twice before:

  • Posting about your weekend shenanigan's (alcohol, drug-related)
  • Using poor grammar/spelling to save time
  • Bad-mouthing your current/past company/co-workers
  • Being too negative
  • Posting racy content

Think less of your social media as an online diary that the whole world can see and more as an opportunity to present yourself as you want future employers to see you. It sounds cheesy, but if you wouldn't want your grandma/grandpa to see your posts, why are you posting them? It's time to step away from using social media as a place to vent about the trials and tribulations of your daily life and see it's potential. Social media can help you:

  • Connect with other professionals
  • Showcase your creativity
  • Showcase your accomplishments
  • Market yourself to potential employers/clients
  • Let others see your personality

I've seen people get apartments, houses, jobs, significant others and more through their social connections. I love when my connections post articles, reviews, publications that let me know where their passions lie. I learn something new from social media everyday. I also tend to hide people whose grammar/spelling is consistently awful, people who are always negative, and those who constantly post things that I would get in trouble for viewing at work if people happened to walk by and see. Take your social media to the next level and let people know who you are, what you are passionate about and why you are a rock star!

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