In today’s world, your social media presence is essential. The content you share represents who you are and what you stand for—it is your digital footprint.
With one google search of your name prospective clients, employers, and co-workers can get a snapshot of your history. 93% of employers say they use this snapshot to screen their applicants and 35% eliminate candidates for consideration based on what they find.
Surveys show employers check LinkedIn as the most popular channel (96%), followed by Facebook (56%), Twitter (41%) and Instagram (7%).
It’s a common misconception that you should only focus on your social media presence if you want to be an influencer. In many cases having no online presence can hinder your chances for employment or future collaborations even further.
Knowing how to cultivate an online presence that works in your favor is key. So how do you make your social media presence stand out?
One Influencer says it’s all about being committed to empowering others and inspiring positive change.
Meet Rob Fajardo, a 23-year-old thought leader and the founder of Leave Normal Behind, a community, content, and events hub dedicated to empowering others to become their best version through meaningful contribution. Fajardo is on a mission to help purpose-driven messages scale—he’s an advisor for Fownders, a NJ-based social impact accelerator—as well as a contributing author to Rise Up Champion.
This week on the Unconventional Life Podcast, Fajardo shares how you can create content that will help you advance your career by owning your digital output.
Be Authentic.
91% of Millennials want those they follow on social media to be authentic. Employers are no different—they want to populate their company with individuals who are in alignment with their company mission. In being authentic, you allow others to connect with you and feel like they know the real you. People can’t connect to a false image of you—they want to see your flaws, your mistakes, your humanity.
This builds trust, however, it’s important to be mindful of the impressions your photos give off. First impressions are powerful and any incriminating photos can do damage. “It’s all about vulnerability and transparency, showcasing who you are authentically to the world. That’s what gets people to connect with you,” Fajardo says.
Be Proactive.
In 2017, it’s basically a requirement to have an online presence. Having no online presence can make recruiters wary, so it’s important to own your online presence by actively creating it. Whether it’s through your LinkedIn profile, a personal website, or writing articles for publications, be proactive in posting content frequently to your platforms and making sure it represents who you are and what you stand for. Personal websites can be a great way to showcase your credentials and skills to prospective employers while also allowing you to create a sphere of influence.
Your Life As Content.
Creating content and living your everyday life don’t have to be separate. Content creation is a great way to position yourself as an expert for future collaborations and career advancements.
Don’t waste time trying to plan an elaborate content schedule with pre-populated ideas. That can get overwhelming and inhibit you from being in action. Instead, let your content emerge spontaneously by sharing your day-to-day activities and opinions. “Have a thought or an opinion? Take 30 seconds to a minute to formulate it and film yourself,” Fajardo says. “Repurpose the things you’re already doing and share it as content on different platforms.”
Take A Stand.
Use social platforms as a way to get your thoughts and opinions about matters you care about out into the world. If there’s a cause that’s particularly important to you, be a vocal advocate about it. When you take a stance, and post about something consistently, you demonstrate your ability to be a force for a cause. In the process you also show future employers causes you care about which helps them know if you are a good fit for their culture.
Rob says, “If I’m not actively helping I’m indirectly hurting.” How can you use your voice to make the world a better place? What’s experiences have you learned something from that others need to hear? In being a voice for positive change, you establish a reputation for yourself that shows others you are committed to help.
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