Career Development

Using Social Media to Help You Professionally

Social media is continually growing in importance. It’s a central part of daily life for many people, and it’s entirely possible to use this to your advantage. Having a strong online presence can help you to secure a job, help you to set up a business or help you to develop in your current position.

Firstly, make sure that your social media profiles aren’t going to be detrimental to you. Many employers will now check a candidate’s social media to get a better idea of them as a person, so eradicate any inappropriate photographs or controversial statuses immediately.

If you’re seeking a job, social media can be a valuable resource. Like pages and follow organisations which are relevant to your chosen career path to get updates and gain a better understanding of the industry. You can also use your social media account to help build up your professional profile. Popularise blogs or portfolios using Twitter and Facebook, and make sure your LinkedIn account is up-to-date so that you can be easily found by recruiters and employers. If you’re in a job where you want to develop, make sure that you’re adding people as connections and update your content regularly. This will show that you’re keen, engaged and are proud of the company you work for.

If you’re setting up your own business, social media is a brilliant tool for promoting it. Set up accounts on Facebook and Twitter to start to build up a following. It’s a free marketing tool which gives you access to a whole new audience, and with a few paid campaigns to bolster your success, you can create a strong brand presence using social media.