Millennials. Land a Job Using Social Media.

by Kathy Seaton

Are you wondering what social media can do for you? It can do a lot. Social media (also referred to as a digital footprint) has become a huge asset to those looking for a job, especially for millennials. And it’s an example of the new permanent record.

The facts don’t lie. 93% of employers say that they use social media to vet candidates and then eliminate at least 35% based on what they find. Employers note that they use the following: LinkedIn (96%), Facebook (56%), Twitter (41%), and Instagram (7%).

I think that we can all agree that not having an online presence is detrimental. Social media helps you differentiate yourself—but only if you do it right.

For instance, you want to make your presence be distinct, you want to brand and create an image for yourself, you want to write posts about your interests—specifically those that are related to business. And most importantly, you want to develop content that will help you advance your career.

Here are a few tips.

Be authentic. You follow people on social media because they are real—and you want to do the same. Employers are no different because they want to learn about you. They want to see that you can influence and drive a corporate mission. Use social media to impact people, not impress them. This is a way that you can use your digital footprint to build trust in your capabilities.

Be proactive. Post your content frequently and make sure that it represents and reflects your beliefs and who you are. Showcase your accomplishments and market yourself. This is your opportunity to feature your competencies and abilities.

Be an expert. Use content to position yourself as a though leader—and make it something worth writing about. Let it emerge spontaneously and often. Being a thought leader is more than just trying to attract attention. It’s about owning something and being able to communicate it on a level that no one else can. Know your audience, engage them, and deliver something that they love. Be agile so that you can use several social mediums on a daily basis, maybe even several times a day.

Take a stand. Much like building your own brand, you want to represent something. It may be a cause or it may be an opinion. You want to put a stake in the ground and lead the conversation, consistently. Remember that people don’t share facts—they share emotions. Don’t go off message and don’t back down. This strategy exudes confidence and your capacity to keep the message on point.

Ann Haley, a writer for the LA Times said of social media,

“Good content has an objective; it’s created with intent. It therefore carries triggers to action.”

Looking for a job? Then use your social network to your advantage. And remember that the content that you create and disseminate builds a compelling brand for you.