Although your CV sets out your qualifications and skills, in your potential employer’s eyes, your social media accounts can determine if you are the correct person for the job.

After reading your CV, almost every employer is typing your name into their Google search engine to find out more information about what type of person you are, what type of lifestyle you lead and what type of skills you have.

Do a social media clean-out

Before you start applying for jobs, do a social media clean-out. Delete any posts or photos that may not paint you in the best light.

Even posts that you don’t remember posting from 2010 can come up in a Google search, so make sure you do a thorough clean-out as these comments or pictures you shared could come back to haunt you.

Get on LinkedIn

LinkedIn can help you show off “your best you”. Put aside a couple of hours to set up a profile. LinkedIn is a hotspot for employers who are searching for potential employees to join their businesses.

Make sure your profile is up-to-date, because the only thing that is worse than not having a profile, is having a poor profile with spelling mistakes and vague information.

Quit being a keyboard warrior

Social media is a great platform where people can share their views and interests. However, if you are a little over-active in sharing your opinions on certain topics, this can be a big no from any prospective employer’s point of view.

How to strike a balance

Put your accounts on private. Do not accept people you do not know. If you have a large following on Instagram or Snapchat you can create small friend groups where you can share the more personal parts of your life.

A potential boss could easily start to follow you and see what you were up to last Saturday night or what you had for breakfast this morning.

Change your name on social media if you want to keep this aspect of your life private.

Good things to share

It is nice to show that you are a sociable person. Show off your skills and hobbies on social media.

If you are part of a sports team or a group such as Macra na Feirme it can be good to share updates of events or photos of teams you are involved with.

When you get the job

Social media can be used as a great networking tool within industries. Showcase the work you are doing within your new role, particularly on Twitter, which is good for professionals. It can be a great platform to show off your skills and knowledge within the field you are working in.

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Graduate profile: Aodhan Brennan, Glanbia Ireland

Graduate profile: James O'Loughlin, Quinns of Baltinglass

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