Updated: January 2021

Finding a job once you graduate can be tough and will require a lot of work. Over the past decade employers have been using social media more and more in order to weed out potential job candidates. For that reason, it is more important than ever to make sure each of your social media accounts represents you in a positive and professional way. Here are some do’s and don’ts for your social media accounts.

According to studies, more than 60% of employers turn to social media when considering job applicants. In this infographic created by Stevenson University, find out what employers are looking for and how to make your social media account help you rather than hurt you, in landing a job.

What Employers Are Looking for on Your LinkedIn Profile

Employers are looking for a professional profile that conveys strong character, competence, and creativity. Here are some tips for maximizing your LinkedIn professional presence:

• Add detailed work history
• Include strong recommendations
• Follow companies you’re interested in working for
• Join groups in industries of interest
• Link to your online portfolio
• Add rewards/honors
• Mention volunteer activity
• Post links to informative business articles or repurpose your articles on LinkedIn Pulse
• Use a professional headshot in your profile
• Avoid unexplained gaps in your work history
• Adjust your job search settings
• Do not lie
• Exclude plagiarized content or profanity
• Avoid spelling/grammar errors or texting language

What Employers Are Looking for on Your Facebook Profile

Employers know Facebook is mainly a personal site, but you should never post anything you wouldn’t want an employer to see:

• Add details about work and education to your profile
• Post about a wide range of interests
• Post to showcase your creativity or other relevant professional skills/interests
• Set privacy settings that limit what the public can see
• Avoid bad-mouthing or complaining
• Remove any compromising tags/comments from others
• Exclude party photos, profanity, or references to illegal activities or lewd commentary
• Avoid spelling/grammar errors or texting language

What Employers Are Looking for on Your Twitter Account

Employers look at Twitter to gain insights into your professional and personal attitudes. Twitter can get heated – always take the high road:

• Use a professional screen name
• Tweet about industries of interest
• Tweet thoughtfully about business topics
• Follow companies in industries you’re interested in
• Follow companies you’re interested in working for
• Include a professional bio
• Link to your online portfolio in your bio
• Follow the same rules as Facebook about excluding compromising tweets
• Avoid tweeting too much
• Avoid spelling/grammar errors or texting language

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