Using Different Platforms (Other Than LinkedIn

With recruiters and prospective employers turning more and more to social media in order to suss out jobseekers, it has become increasingly important to keep it professional online.

It’s common knowledge that employers see professional social media platforms as a hiring resource. While this immediately begs the issue of managing and maintaining a good online presence and reputation, what are some other things you should take note of?

Professional Platforms

When the topic of social networking on a professional level comes up, LinkedIn is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But there are other platforms as well, such as forums, niche sites and alternatives to LinkedIn, such as Opportunity and Xing.

Even more importantly, how can you strike a balance between being personal and professional on popular platforms such as Instagram and Facebook? Here are a few pointers to help you.

While these platforms can be easier to handle because they’re devoted to business and professional networking, there are still a few crucial points to take note of.

1. Your profile

Using the right words for your profile and summary can be enough to make it stand out from the rest. Additionally, you’ll need to use common keywords as well so your profile comes up when recruiters search for prospective candidates.

Take note: Keep your profile and career goals clean and clear with simple terms rather than something fancy or vague. For example, instead of using “tech maverick”, use “full-stack developer”.

Choose a headshot that looks professional and shows your face clearly. Depending on the industry you’re applying for, your headshot doesn’t necessarily have to be formal, but it’s preferable that your background is clear and not too cluttered. 3. Connecting

Take note: Wait patiently for a response – don’t chase after or harass those you want to connect with!

2. Your picture

Take note: In industries such as law, finance and banking, keep your headshots formal. However, for other sectors like tech and media, feel free to explore more creative options. If possible, get a mutual friend to introduce you to another person over the platform, and tell them who you are and how both parties would benefit from the connection.

However, if you don’t have a mutual friend to pave the way, customise a message that explains how you came across their profile and why you want to reach out to them.

4. Communicating

How you comment and respond to queries gives recruiters a peek into your personality, morals, ethics and values, so be sure to steer away from negative comments to keep your reputation intact.

Keep in mind that recruiters are also known to look through comments left on other people’s posts on top of your own.

Personal Platforms

Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and blogs take precedence over LinkedIn when when it comes to personal networking. However, because they’re far more personal, the delicate balance between personal and professional is even more precarious.

And although the struggle is real, don’t privatise your accounts or overlook them! Recruiters have been known to look out for potential candidates on these platforms, so clean these possible resources up rather than completely discounting them.

1. Your profile

While it’s alright to keep your personal profiles more casual, make sure you still include some common keywords regarding your career goals or aspirations in summaries about yourself. This is so that it’ll appear when employers search for potential employees. This will also allow them to get a glance at your professional identity too.

Take note: Give special attention to your name and handle, and use your real name as much as possible to give an impression of trustworthiness and reliability.

For instance, if a media personality named “Beryl Tan” uses @beryltan, it sounds more authentic and dependable than @theber.

While you should take creative licence when it comes to your pictures on your personal sites, remember to choose those that show your face clearly.

More than that, to secure a good first impression, don’t post an image of yourself in a possibly embarrassing setting for the world and prospective employers to see. 3. Control your image

Take note: Make sure to go through your settings regularly, especially when the platforms are updated.

2. Your picture

Take note: Be wary of picture tags – either disable that option or untag yourself as you see fit. By customising your “friends” list, you’ll be able to control who gets to see who gets to see what posts you make online but also regulate who gets to view what content you have online. This lets you remain honest to your personal identity while also still maintaining a professional appearance.

4. @tags and #hashtags

Although tags and hashtags are useful in getting your content to the right audience, be mindful not to abuse them! Use them to reach out to certain figures – much like how celebrities do – or start a discussion.

Take note: If you want to start a discussion, share and tag an industry update on an employer’s page. Many employers take note of these posts, so this is one way to make yourself known to them.