In today’s digital age, your online presence can make or break your chances of getting hired for a new job and can determine whether or not you get that interview. With the majority of employers and recruiters checking social media profiles of potential hires, it’s important to ensure that your online image aligns with the professional image you want to present. If you are clearly partying a little too hard or showing a lot of flesh in your socials, you are going to want to do a little clean up before you hit “apply”. Here are some tips on how to prepare your social media feeds before starting your job search.

Clean up your profiles

The first step in preparing your social media feeds is to clean up your profiles. This includes removing any posts, comments or images that could be seen as unprofessional, offensive, or just plain embarrassing. This also means unfollowing or blocking anyone who regularly posts content that could damage your online reputation.

Review your privacy settings

Before you start your job search, take a few minutes to review your privacy settings on all your social media accounts. Ensure that you have the right privacy settings in place to limit who can see your posts and personal information. You may also want to consider using a pseudonym or pseudonym-based account if you plan to keep your professional and personal lives separate.

Update your profile information

Next, update your profile information on all your social media accounts to ensure that it’s accurate and up to date. Make sure your name, job title, and contact information are correct. Consider creating a professional email address specifically for your job search if you haven’t already (those cheeky emails you created as a teenager should never be used…anywhere).

Create a professional online presence

Your social media profiles should reflect your professional brand and showcase your skills, experience, and achievements. To create a professional online presence, consider the following:

  • Use a professional headshot or profile picture (lose the sunglasses and vacation shots).
  • Write a professional bio that highlights your skills, experience, and accomplishments (LinkedIn is an important tool, if it is in a sad state, get it updated).
  • Connect with professional organizations, industry leaders, and colleagues.
  • Share relevant content, such as articles and blog posts, that showcase your expertise and interests.

Engage with others

Finally, engage with others on your social media accounts. This includes commenting on and sharing other people’s posts, as well as posting your own original content. When engaging with others, be sure to keep your comments professional and respectful.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to prepare your social media feeds and create a professional online presence that will make a positive impression on potential employers. Remember, your online reputation is a critical component of your overall image and should be treated with the same level of importance as your resume, and in-person interviews.

Taking control of your social media presence is essential in today’s job market. It is up to you to create a professional online image that will help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired for your dream job.