Mastering Social Media: Your Guide to Landing a Job Through Online Platforms

Some 3.5 billion people worldwide use some type of social media network, whether it's Facebook, X (the platform formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, or something else. And while most people are on social media for entertainment, engagement, and informative purposes, it's become a platform increasingly utilized to find work.

Yet, finding employment on social media is more of a two-way street than you might think. According to a Harris Poll, nearly 70 percent of employers say they screen social media sites to research potential candidates. A separate study from CareerBuilder states that more than half of all employers will disqualify a job candidate from consideration based on questionable or inappropriate social content.

So how can you use social media to your advantage during your next job search? Here's a closer look at how to master social media and nab that next big professional opportunity.

How to Land a Job Through Your Social Networks

Scrub Your Channels of Anything That Could Be Deemed Controversial

The internet is forever and there are plenty of examples of well-known people who've been negatively affected when controversial past tweets or other social media content has come to light. That's why we suggest scrubbing your social channels before you begin your job search for anything controversial and deleting it.

Don't let an insensitive tweet or an inappropriate Facebook photo auto-disqualify you from a potential opportunity.

Double Down on LinkedIn Use

If there's one social media network to master when job searching, it's LinkedIn. As the "professional" social media network, it's estimated that more than 90 percent of recruiters search for candidates on LinkedIn.

And as your LinkedIn profile serves as a digital resume of sorts, keeping this account updated can go a long way toward landing that next gig.

Here are some areas of focus on LinkedIn to take your profile from good to great:

• Create a clear, concise profile headline highlighting your skill set and what you can bring to an organization. Be sure to also create an impactful "About" section that discusses your strengths, experience, and intangibles.
• Include a professional headshot as your image.
• Solicit recommendations: Recommendations are essentially testimonials about the type of professional you are - and they can make a big impression when employers search for you if you're under consideration for a position. Reach out to a few trusted peers and ask them to recommend you. These recommendations will appear on your account for everyone to see.
• List your skills: Be sure to list all of your skills. In addition to showcasing your professional range, your connections can also endorse your skills, verifying expertise to employers.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

You should never be ashamed to ask for help on your social networks when it comes to landing that next position. Think of it this way: Many of your connections are more than just peers, but friends who want to see you succeed. You never know where or how the next opportunity will arise.

Adjust Privacy Settings

Finally, we suggest adjusting some privacy settings, especially on a network like Facebook where you don't want to let just anyone too much into your life. On this note, we suggest making your Facebook profile private.

Go to your privacy settings and select "Friends Only." This way, friends will only be privy to your photos, status updates, and full profile. Yet an employer will still be able to find you on the network and view more limited information.

As you embark on your journey to master social media for job hunting, remember that the world of online platforms is vast and ever-evolving. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you are equipped with the tools to not only navigate this digital landscape but also to stand out and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Your online presence is your personal brand, and with dedication and smart practices, you can turn it into a powerful asset that opens doors to exciting career opportunities. So go ahead, confidently craft your profiles, engage thoughtfully, and network strategically—your next job might be just a click away. Happy job hunting!