Seeking Entry Level Jobs? Make a Social First Impression with Employers

Social media can work for or against you, depending on how you use it.  For job seekers, it is important to understand that while their posts might seem harmless to them, other people may not agree.  Today, employers are paying attention to what they see on social media sites and making decisions based on this information.  So, if you are among the recent graduates trying to find entry level jobs, you must focus on creating a positive first impression of yourselves online to be considered serious candidates for employment.  Here are some things you can do.

Show your personality – A potential employer not only wants to know that you possess the skills and qualifications to do the job, but that you can also fit in with the company.  Spend time learning what an employer values on a personal level among its employees and then find a way to communicate that on social media.

Clearly communicate – Speaking of communication, make sure you do so in a way that is easy to understand.  Organize your thoughts when trying to share your expertise on a specific subject that is relative to the job you want, being clear and to the point.  Also, don’t take your spelling, grammar, and punctuation for granted.  Remember, you want to make the right first impression and these mistakes don’t help.

Engage with the company – Do you really want to get on the good side of a potential employer?  Interact with the employer on social media.  Find out which sites they use and provide relevant contributions to them whether answering questions or making comments.  Be respectful in what you say.

When using social media, be mindful that it can help or hurt you.  As a recent graduate, know that employers are using social media as a recruitment tool to find job candidates.  The first impression that you leave with them can help you rise or fall in your quest to find an entry level job.  So make the right one.

Many job seekers want to keep their private lives private. But what if you could improve your chances of being the selected candidate by using social media? Consider this: A June CareerBuilder survey of more than 2,000 hiring managers and human resource professionals revealed that 43% of employers use social networking sites

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