Social media is essential to landing your dream job – here’s how

During the pandemic, employees across many areas realised they weren’t happy with their industry, their work environments, or their work-life balance. With a renewed focus on what matters most, many employees are rethinking their jobs and quitting in droves – a phenomenon that has been dubbed “The Great Resignation”.

Today, across most industries, there is a plethora of job opportunities and not enough candidates to fill the available roles – making it a perfect time to find your dream job.

Building a strong social media presence can help you land your ideal role at an extraordinary company, but these companies will be scrutinising your online profile. In a 2020 Harris Poll survey, 70 per cent of employers who responded said every company should screen candidates’ social media profiles during the hiring process.

Here are a few tips for building your online platform as a path to securing your dream job:

A strong personal brand will bring opportunities your way, including interview offers and useful connections with people in your industry. My first book came about because a publisher noticed the content I was creating and sharing online.

Start by identifying your niche and establishing your social media goals, then examine your profiles and delete any content that’s not relevant.

Your profile image may be the first thing potential employers see on your profile. Make a strong first impression by uploading a professional photo. If you don’t have a professional headshot, make arrangements to get one taken. In the meantime, use the most professional-looking snapshot you have, then upgrade.

When I was getting started with building my profile, one of the best things I did was regularly share relevant news stories about my industry. I still continue this practice today. Sharing content helps you stay knowledgeable about what’s happening in your industry, and positions you as an expert in your field.

Think about the kinds of content that will make you attractive to employers and publish a mix of your own pieces and links to others’ blog posts, podcasts, and videos.

Make this process easier by subscribing to industry newsletters and setting up Google alerts for common keywords you want to follow. Then cement your reputation by posting your own advice, pro tips, how-to content, and excerpts from presentations.

Identify people you want to connect with in your field and reach out to them with short personal messages. Make a habit of connecting with a certain number of people every week, and watch your network grow.

Join industry groups on social media, then get active by answering questions, commenting, and sharing other people’s content. You can also email people directly about specific jobs, and connect with companies on your “dream job” list.

Employers and recruiters don’t want to see what you had for lunch, and they don’t want to see photos of your nephew’s first birthday party, either.

Mixing business and private information can be tricky, so I recommend choosing some networks for business, and some for private communications. For example, I use LinkedIn and Twitter strictly for business, and on Instagram, I bring in the occasional personal post, but those I am happy for my professional network to see.

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Another way to divide your online presence is to set up separate accounts on the same network – one for your private connections and another for your business contacts.

To find your perfect job, schedule time for building out your online profiles and growing your network. Make a list of daily tasks, like answering questions in groups, reaching out to new potential connections, and following up. Then complete those tasks at a set time each day.

Follow these tips to ensure you have a highly polished, impressive social media presence that will stand out to hiring managers and recruiters.

Bernard Marr is a futurist, award-winning business author and strategic advisor to many of the world’s best-known organisations. He is recognised by LinkedIn as the No 1 influencer in the United Kingdom, and one of the top 5 influencers in the world. His new book, ‘Future Skills: The 20 Skills and Competencies Everyone Needs to Succeed in a Digital World’, is out now, published by Wiley