Social media is a huge part of our social life. It is fun and a great way to keep in touch with loved ones and friends. But it can especially be tricky when you begin job hunting. Make sure you know the do’s and dont’s of social media.

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1. Familiarize Yourself with Privacy Settings
This is very important. Making your profile private may have its pros and cons, but studying the privacy settings for websites like Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn are crucial if you want to maintain a healthy, positive online presence. It may seem like a tedious task, but this is necessary and is much more simple than you think. There are different privacy settings for each site that you can tailor to your specific needs – take advantage of this!

2. Do Not Stray Away from Partaking in Any Parts of Social Media!
So many people are afraid of taking part in any aspect of social networking websites because they want to avoid making mistakes altogether. They may feel that companies prefer someone who cannot be found on Facebook or Twitter, or would rather not have companies view what they discuss with their friends or family online. You probably think you’re playing it safe, but what you may not realize is that this particular decision might actually cause harm to your personal brand. Social networking has become a prime opportunity for recruiters to connect with people who fit the criteria they desire for the company they work for. If you choose to not participate on social media websites, you’re removing yourself from the possibility of networking with others who could offer you great opportunities. While everyone has their opinion on whether to stay or leave, you should at least maintain a professional profile on LinkedIn, as employers visit the site often to connect with professionals. Once you decide which profiles you want to create, remember to be consistent with the content you post!

3. Refrain from Posting Inappropriate Photos!
You could be the best intern ever; your managers may think the best of you at your part-time job, or your professors do not waste time when you ask them for a recommendation letter…but once they see that bikini photo of you and your friends vacationing or a photo of you holding a glass of alcohol, you’ve just been judged and their opinions about you have most definitely changed. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words! When you intern or work, you must remember that you represent that company and you must do your best to be a positive reflection of them. Instead of posting those photos via social media, frame them or put them in an album to share with your friends. If you find yourself questioning whether the photo is decent enough to post – don’t post it!

4. Generate Content and Share Articles to Create Buzz and Conversation
This goes with being consistent with what you post. Take advantage of sharing your achievements, whether you have any articles you’ve written or artwork you’ve created. You can also share articles you find interesting or are very knowledgeable about to spark conversation with others online. Sharing these things can be a great start to building a great online reputation and your very own portfolio!

5. Watch what your friends share or tag you in
This is where the privacy settings come in handy! Your friends may or may not take professionalism as seriously as you do, which can hinder your reputation online. Pay attention to what your friends share with you on Facebook and Twitter. If they tag you in any inappropriate photos or articles, do make sure to untag yourself from it. Facebook has a setting in which you can approve what can be seen on your timeline when someone shares something with you – utilize this!

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