Using Social Media to your Advantage...Not for Total Destruction!

If you’re on this site, it’s safe to assume you are using Social Media in some way. As this technological trend continues to grow, it is important to stop and view the image you are portraying online. Why is this important? Well, your future career may depend on it.

Employers ARE looking at online content on individuals before making hiring decisions. This goes beyond typing in your name in a Google search…It includes looking at your Facebook or MySpace profiles, your LinkedIn account, your Twitter and looking at public blogs you have posted on. Large companies are even hiring employees to search for content on potential hires.

So, we know why it is important to have a professional image online…Now the question is, “How?”

There are some simple steps to take to see your online image and reputation:

First, Google yourself. See the search results that come back on your name. Having an understanding of what employers are finding when they search you can help you prepare for questions they might have about their findings in an interview.
Another step is to build professional networking sites. Sites that you are on regularly show up higher in search results, so if you use Facebook often, make sure your privacy settings are set and that you aren’t posting inappropriate material. Your profile pictures should not include you with the infamous “Red Cup” in your hand...It should be tasteful and professional. Above the networking sites for social purposes like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, look into the professional networking sites. LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional networking sites, listing only information regarding your education and work experience. You can connect with other professionals in your field, instructors, supervisors, etc. You can even have them write a letter of recommendation right on your page visible to visitors! A site like this gives you positive exposure with an excellent first image before you even walk in the door to an interview.

Blogging is becoming even more popular and an increasing number of bloggers are logging on every day. Anything associated with your name can be found, even if it is deep in a search, so make sure you are only posting appropriate content and that you are posting in a professional manner. Use correct spelling and grammar and steer clear of negative postings. Focus on what you would WANT an employer to see when they search for you…not what they COULD find. Join professional blogs in your field and read what others have to say. It educates you and gives you more knowledge and experience than others who may not use social media to their advantage.
These are just a few easy tips to follow as you begin social networking. Making a few changes and additions to your online image can launch you further into your career faster than those who may not use social networking for professional reasons. Use it to your advantage!

Any questions you have regarding social media material, creating new accounts, privacy settings, etc. can always be directed to Julie Tawney in Career Services at WVJC-Charleston.


-JT

Welcome to the West Virginia Junior College - Charleston Blog!

WVJC-Charleston is making every effort to communicate with our students. On Monday, February 1st, a “Social Media Campaign” will be launched. Students, Faculty and Staff are joining together to connect on several social medium s to professionally brand themselves, to promote constant and ongoing communication and to gain experience and an understanding of Social Media.

The WVJC Blog invites you to log on, read our postings and give us your opinion! Let us know what you think so we can make your educational experience the best it can be. We thrive on maintaining close relationships with our students and look forward to increasing communication and exposure of your college with this campaign.

Blog posts will be monitored for misconduct and any inappropriate contents will be immediately removed from the site, so remember to use our new resources professionally. Build your professional image and brand yourself in a positive light so you are ahead of the rest when you graduate!