Social media has now become one of the most important platforms to share and make your work reach as many as possible. It is one of the best sources to strengthen your professional online presence which can make you achieve a co-op or a full-time job.
Mike Ariale, Assistant Director for Social Media Outreach in Northeastern University’s Career Development Office offers advice on various opportunities available through social media. Firstly, it is important to observe one’s own social image. Most recruiters hire an individual based on what have they found online about him or her. It is important for one to monitor his or her social account and check if their social image is appropriate.
Ariale says, “When employers are reviewing your online presence, they are looking for professionalism and a culture fit”. One does this by interacting with other brands and social media accounts. It helps one to learn about the organisation and the type of work one wants to invest in. In case you include the hiring manager into your conversation, there is a chance that he might take an interest in your work.
LinkedIn is one of the important platforms which enable employers to see not just your work performance but also your social media accounts. Therefore Ariale calls it the ‘central hub’. LinkedIn is a great networking tool too. Candidates should always let the employer know how they found him and whether they did it through Facebook, LinkedIn or other social platforms.
Apart from this, the campus of the university also provides workshops for Career Development which includes three LinkedIn workshops. The office also hosted a workshop named “All That Twitters Is Not Gold” which taught students how to control their online image.
The students can also talk with the staff of Career Development about building their professional brands.
Akshara Palshetkar