Social media has become fairly ubiquitous these days. We’re all using it in one form or another, even in professional settings. We’ve worked with a number of professionals to manage their social media presence. When it comes to our LinkedIn profile creation & review service, those clients are (obviously) looking to make a career change. Here are 7 bits of social media advice for those preparing for a job search.

Social Media for Professionals: How to Prepare for a Job Search

1. LinkedIn Headline The first thing you need to think through is your Linked Headline. Your current job title might not put your best foot forward – in fact, it might not explain what you do at all. For example, an associate at some firms is one step below partner. At others, it’s an entry level title. Make sure your headline reflects your skill set as well as the job you’d ideally like to have.
2. LinkedIn Summary If people are drawn in by your headline, it’s important that your Summary draws them in further. Use this as a place to get more in depth with your skill set without getting too detailed. Essentially, this is your online elevator pitch.
3. LinkedIn Experience You know that when you start a job search, you need to update your resume. You also need to update your LinkedIn experience. It’s fairly likely that these two activities will go hand in hand. It can be helpful to start by updating your resume and letting your LinkedIn profile mirror that document. It should act as support to your (already stellar) resume.
4. Twitter Bio Your Twitter bio can say a lot about you. Make sure it says that you are professional and respected in your field. Because this isn’t a traditional job search platform, it can be easy to forget that recruiters may still peruse your social media platforms to see what you’re like. That makes it important to brush up your bio on Twitter (and other social media platforms) when you’re getting ready for a job search.
5. Facebook Privacy Settings Make sure you know what potential employers can see on your Facebook page. While it’s always important to make sure your social media posts won’t get you fired, it can be even more important to put your best foot forward when you’re searching for a job. Locking down your privacy settings can be a helpful way to do that.
6. “Charged” Topics Are you currently talking about politics or religion or drugs & alcohol, etc. etc. etc. on…anywhere? You’re probably going to want to stop that. For now, at least. But maybe forever. Just stop. Getting into fights is not great for your employment situations.
7. Appropriate Profile Photos If you’re in a bikini or you’re shirtless in your LinkedIn profile or cover photos – on any social media platform – now is a good time to change those photos.