Using Social Media

What digital trail are you leaving behind?

Unless your social media posts, comments and pictures have been deleted, they can hang around and be linked to your account forever. This is called your digital footprint. It is the data trace on the internet, computer or other devices that identifies a particular user or device.

Research suggests your digital footprint can have both a positive and negative effect on whether you are considered for a role. You can use your online activities to create a good impression of yourself and present yourself in the best light.

However, any negative actions such as photos of nights out, posting derogatory comments, bad mouthing individuals or groups, downloading inappropriate content can be found by potential employers and act against you.

How to use social media to find opportunities

While you are probably familiar with using social media platforms to connect with your friends and follow your favourite celebrities, you might not have considered social media as a recruitment or job hunting tool. However, it is being used more and more by companies to find the right person to fill their employment vacancies. Some companies might now use it as their only method of recruitment.

You, as a social media user, can also use sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as a networking tool to gather information about your chosen career path or to find out about work experience opportunities or events that are relevant to your career interests.

Creating a strong “online presence” is also a good move for creating a good impression to potential employers and as a way of enhancing any job applications you make. This can be achieved through creating a professional LinkedIn profile as well as being cautious about how you use your other social media profiles. Don’t regret in the future what you post today!