5 Tips to Stand Out in the Social Media Career Crowd

With social media (free) membership in the millions worldwide, the difference between success and failure is differentiating oneself; online or offline.

If you want to stand out on your social media sites, take note.  If you choose to play it safe, take more notes!   In a recent poll with recruiters and hiring leaders, the top 5 recommendations may help you advance your social media presence when trying to gain footing in advancing your career.

#1  Photo’s are a must on Linkedin.com, Twitter.com and Facebook.com if you are going to gain credibility from a talent scout. People see you everyday in your car, on the street and in your office (unless you work from home.) Get over it! We are in the age of social media.  Highly unlikely that it is going away.  Pictures give the viewer an opportunity to see you long before meeting you.  If you are so concerned with your picture, what are you going to do if you actually get called in for an in-person interview?

#2  Post interesting and brand distinguishing perspectives.  This offers the talent scouts an opportunity to learn how you think.  If you are saving your thoughts for a face-to-face interview, you may be waiting a very long time.  Executives seem to be less inclined to post than their professional level subordinates.  There is no mystery in being evasive with an online presence.

#3  Take action and interest in meeting new people. If you are an extrovert and socially savvy in your corporate office, your online branding is essential in portraying you as an assertive, results-driven professional. Requesting to join groups and make new contacts is at your fingertips.  Yes, it takes time.  Make time! Start of with 10 minutes a day and work your way to 20 minutes.  The payoff will be worth it.

#4  Transparency and leadership are essential both online and face-to-face.  The more genuine you are, the greater the opportunities. Talent scouts, hiring leaders and recruiters are able to pre-screen you by your online presence.  Take advantage of this and market yourself. Just be consistent and true to you.

#5  Let your personality and unique style shine. So many posts tell readers what NOT to do. This post is telling you what you CAN do.  The only thing that will get in your way is doing nothing at all.  If you are authentically demonstrating executive and professional leadership, being present on social media will only enhance your credibility. No level is exempt from personal branding, career marketing and social media communication. Executives and professionals this means you!