With social media’s rapid growth over the past two decades, it’s easy to lose track of the content you’ve shared online. Nowadays, many employers review candidates’ digital footprints, making it essential to maintain a professional yet authentic online presence.
Take a moment to Google yourself. Scroll through your social media history—even those posts from years ago. If you were the hiring manager, would you hire yourself?
Review your social media footprint.
Your social media presence can cost you a job before you even start, so keep it professional! Review your past posts and ask yourself if they reflect the image you want to present. If you have any doubts, it’s best to remove them. While having fun is great, the professional world isn’t the place for keg stand photos. Instead, use social media’s transparency to showcase your skills, experiences, and personality positively and professionally.
Present your expertise while showcasing your individuality.
Employers appreciate candidates who are well-informed about their industry. You can establish credibility and demonstrate your expertise by sharing and posting relevant content.
That said, you don’t have to be all business to land a job. Keep sharing those puppy photos, delicious recipes, and Carpool Karaoke clips—employers want to see your personality too! Just be mindful of the balance and use your best judgment.
Ultimately, your social media presence can either work for or against you. Think of yourself as a brand—how do you want to be perceived by friends, family, and potential employers? Maintain consistency, cohesion, and a clear message across all platforms. Take some time to review and clean up your profiles—it never hurts to do a little digital spring cleaning. Best of luck with your job search!