Social Media and Your Job Search

When they first popped onto the scene, social media networks were a way to keep up with and share experiences with close friends and family. The people using platforms like Facebook and Twitter were usually young, and employers rarely thought about what job candidates were doing online.

We live in a different world today. People of all ages have turned to social media networks to spread their opinions, look for jobs and build relationships with organizations and recruiters. How you manage your social media presence is more important than ever, especially if you're currently looking for a job.

Today we're sharing some tips on using Facebook and LinkedIn during your job search — and how to think about your social media footprint.

Stay professional

Fair or not, most companies have the ability to find you online and check your social media profiles. Once you create a personal blog, set up a Facebook account or contribute to online conversations, it can be hard to erase a trail of comments or posts leading back to you. If your pages are public, it's best to keep the content you post and share professional.

Follow these basic steps to make sure that your pages are professional and employer-friendly:

• Do make sure your profile picture is a clear, appropriate photo of yourself. It doesn't have to be a professional headshot, but make sure it's a photo you'd be okay with a potential employer seeing.
• Don't post or share offensive content or language. In addition to being inappropriate, it may give the impression that you won't get along well with the team.
• Don't post anything personal that you would not feel comfortable sharing during a job interview. This may include disability information that you're not ready to disclose to a potential employer.
• Do consider comments you leave on other pages. Keep in mind that your responses may be visible to the public, even if your personal profile isn't.

Use these tools for your job search

LinkedIn and Facebook can both be used to help you on your path to employment. Networking is often key to landing a job, and LinkedIn and Facebook are effective ways to build your network and stay in touch.

LinkedIn is a free social media tool that's geared toward business and employment networking. Use LinkedIn to:

• Search for job opportunities
• Connect with recruiters
• Apply in real-time to positions
• Share your resume and work samples with companies and recruiters
• Keep current with hiring trends and employment data
• Follow company pages of organizations in which you are interested

As the largest social media site in the world, Facebook may also help you with your job search. Use Facebook to:

• Join groups that include people who share your professional interests
• Follow company pages for a better understanding of the organization's current projects and mission as well as to gain a better understanding of the company's culture
• Keep in touch with people who may be able to help you as you look for a job

Following these tips may help you create a social media presence for building professional connections and leaving potential employers with a strong impression as you look for work.

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.