How to Further Your Career With Social Media

Using different platforms for different content is beneficial to professional success

Written by Jamie Randall, Staff Writer and Illustrated by Jessica Tenenbaum

Social media has an important role to play in one’s personal and professional life. Heidi Cohen, Chief Content Officer of her company, “Heidi Cohen’s Actionable Marketing Guide,” states that professionally, “Social media is your multimedia resume complete with endorsements. It provides you with a platform for building your thought leadership and Rolodex” (Cohen, 2015). As young-adults entering the workforce, we need to distinguish between personal and professional content.

However, this still raises the question about how we, as college students, should be presenting ourselves to these companies when trying to find work. Potential employers probably don’t want to see you posting pictures at a college party with friends on Instagram and Facebook. That is why when companies ask you for your social media handles, you should be sure that your online presence doesn’t sabotage your professional opportunities.

Being professional on social media is beneficial to your long-term goals. You want to be able to present yourself to a future employer as a reliable representative of their brand. There are many social media platforms that are geared towards curating a professional image online.

The main goal of LinkedIn is connecting and networking with others. There are many similar platforms as well such as Generationhired, Meetup, Bark, that center around finding a job and making you appear professional. The University of Wisconsin even has its own network for alumni networking called Badger Bridge. This is a space to share your accomplishments and experience that prepare you for post-grad life.

Social media now plays a big role in how companies research potential hires. Having multiple platforms proves useful for college students and expands your network, attracting attention to your work and establishing your brand. However, it can be difficult to separate personal from professional on social media. The whole concept of “making Instagram casual” for your personal account is great, but it can be difficult to manage when trying to be professional and applying for jobs, because companies may not look at just Linkedin.

Companies are now starting to add social media to their platforms, so it is really crucial to be aware of what is being posted online. Companies can see who you follow, what you comment on and what you like. Being in a hate group or posting racist things on one of your accounts is a good way not to get hired by a company. Not being socially distanced and posting pictures of yourself without a mask in a busy area could get you in trouble with your employer.

There is a way to balance your professional and personal life. The trick is just to keep it PG. Being professional shouldn’t have to be associated with being fake. When it comes to your career, social media should be a tool to present your best self to employers, while showing them a little glimpse into your life.

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