How to use your social media to get hired

Hey there, job-seekers! If you're reading this, chances are you're looking for a job or at least thinking about it. And let me tell you, as a recruiter, I’ve seen it all. And when I say all, I mean ALL. So let's cut to the chase and answer the question you came here for: What does a recruiter want to see from your social media?

First things first, let's talk about what we DON'T want to see. I can't tell you how many times I've come across social media profiles with pictures of people doing keg stands, smoking pot, or worse. Look, I'm not a saint, but if you're going to put something on your social media, you have to be prepared for people to see it. And believe me, we WILL see it. So, if you want to increase your chances of getting hired, stick to posts that you'd be ok showing anyone sitting at the Thanksgiving table this year.

Now, let's talk about what we DO want to see. The truth is, most recruiters actually do care about finding well-rounded candidates. We want to see that you have a life outside of work, that you're passionate about something, and that you're not afraid to share it with the world. So, if you're into yoga, post a picture of yourself doing a headstand. If you're into cooking, share your favorite recipe. If you're into rescuing kittens, post a picture of your latest foster. You get the idea.

It's also a good idea to show off your skills on social media. If you're a graphic designer, share some of your designs. If you're a writer, share some of your work. You'd be surprised how many recruiters are scouring social media for talent. And if they see something they like, they might just reach out to you.

But here's the thing, it's not just about what you post, it's also about how you post it. Recruiters are looking for someone who is professional, articulate, and engaging. So, if you're going to post something, make sure it's well-written and free of typos. And for the love of all that is holy, just let autocorrect do its thing and stop fighting with it so you can type "u" instead of "you". Are you really saving that much time?

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: politics. Look, I'm not saying you can't have political views, but if you're going to post about politics, be prepared for the consequences (good and bad). There are a lot of people out there who won't hire someone based on their political views. It's not fair, but it's the reality we live in. So, if you want to post about politics, be prepared for the reality that it will affect your application with companies that don't share your views. If you're OK with that - power to you! Personally, I never shy away from a good rant about the imbalance of power in the Republic Senate; I don't care how popular Chancellor Palpatine is, he's not going to scare me into thinking the Galactic Empire is a good idea.

Finally, and this is increasingly important for an increasing variety of jobs: make sure your social media is up to date. Unfortunately, if recruiters feel they "know" one candidate better than another they'll usually prefer that candidate, even if they only "know" that candidate better because they're creating some kind of post or content every damn day. If you haven't posted anything in six months, maybe take a minute to make sure your LinkedIn at least has your current place of work. Make it easier for recruiters to find you, and to find a few key details about you. It doesn't have to be anything groundbreaking, just something to let people know that you're still alive and kicking.

Well, that's it for me. I hope you found this post helpful. And if you're still posting pictures of yourself doing keg stands, well, good luck with that job search. But if you're ready to take your job search seriously, start by taking a closer look at your social media. Remember, your social media is a reflection of who you are. So, make sure you like the person looking back at you.

And hey, if you're looking for a job, I wish you the best of luck. The job market can be tough, but don't give up. Keep applying, keep networking, and keep posting on social media. Who knows, your dream job might be just one tweet away.

P.S. Are you an employer or recruiter who read through this whole post just to see if you can pick up some kind of social media hiring lifehack? Sorry this particular post likely wasn't what you were looking for, but good news: Hoops HR's team would be happy to help you nail your Social Recruiting strategy. Just click the button below and let's get to work. 

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Liam Christie