Use this guide to put your best foot forward online
Article Sections
- Online Portfolio
- Building Online Profiles
- Social Media Self-Assessment
- Make Personal Profiles Private
- About Yourself
- About Things
- About Others
- Be a Follower
- Profile Photos
LinkedIn is a very valuable platform when researching companies, industries and job functions. Also, most employers will look to see that you have a full profile here as part of their research on you. We have provided best practices on building your profile and creating content in Profiles & Content.
🐝 HIVE Helper: LinkedIn Profile Tips
Online Portfolio
Online portfolios allow you to showcase written and creative work, including writing samples, graphic design, and production work. Don’t be afraid to provide thoughtful windows into your personal life to show creative character.
🐝 HIVE Helper: Platforms to Consider
Building Online Profiles
Social Media Self-Assessment
Before you begin to build new content or new profiles, sign out of all of your current social media profiles and Google yourself. Also, do the same thing from one of your friends’ user accounts. This will provide a great window into your current online brand/footprint and will identify any areas that you need to correct/improve. Remember, close to 75% of employers will check all of your social media accounts prior to making an offer.
Make Personal Profiles Private
Personal social media profiles like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and any others that do not serve a professional purpose should be turned to private. Research how to do this in each of the platforms’ user settings.
🐝 HIVE Helper: Cleaning and Enhancing Online Profiles
About Yourself
Of course, you want to share accomplishments and updates, but also feel free to share observations - but not opinions - on current topics and events. Show the world you’re more than your TikTok! Accomplishments can include internships, awards, leadership positions, conferences you attend, study abroad, coursework achievements, and whatever else comes up that you’re proud of from a professional standpoint.
About Things
Don’t just share industry news articles that interest you, add your own insights in the posts/comments section. Share campus publications, and news relevant to your local college community as well, especially if you’re in it to demonstrate engagement.
About Others
Don’t just write about yourself. If anyone mentored you/helped you achieve a particular opportunity, mention them in your post. Thank yous are free and ALWAYS make people feel good about being part of your process. Also, share your peers’ and colleagues’ content to showcase their achievements and successes.
Be a Follower
Also on all professional platforms, you should be following companies you’re interested in, people at those companies and other career influencers, career-focused blogs and other resources. It shows your commitment to the process and builds your feed to allow personalized content to be delivered to you efficiently. Companies will check before interviews and informationals to ensure you’re following them.
Profile Photos
Profile photos should be as professional and recent as possible, without distracting backgrounds and should never have anyone else in the picture with you. These should not be full body, and don’t forget to SMILE️!