Social media can be a great tool for finding a new job. That is, if you take the right approach. Use these tips to build a hirable social media presence that can help you land a great job.

Hide Your Personal Accounts

First things, first. Make all your personal social media accounts private. Untag yourself from less-than-professional photos and be careful about who you add as friends and followers.

Create Professional Accounts

Once you've hidden your personal accounts, create new, professional accounts using your first and last name. Facebook and Twitter are the most appropriate but in some cases, other networks might also be valuable. Use a professional headshot and take care not to post any personal photos to these accounts.

Get Active on Your New Accounts

Post news related to your industry, share content from thought leaders and influencers in your field and make thoughtful comments on that content. Join groups related to your industry as well, and contribute thoughtfully to the discussions you find there.

Update Your LinkedIn Profile

Add a recent professional headshot, make your profile public and be sure you have a personalized URL that includes your first and last name. Update your work history and skills and ask people in your network to make skill endorsements and recommendations on your profile. If applicable, include samples of your work, as well.

Let Recruiters Know You Are Looking

Take advantage of the "open candidates" setting on LinkedIn. Turning on this setting signals to recruiters that you are open to a new job. This setting is only visible to recruiters and will not alert your employer that you are looking. Accept all invitations from recruiters who might reach out to you. Even if they don't have your ideal opening today, they could have one soon.

Ready to Find a Great Job?

If you are ready to find and land your ideal job, work with the recruiters at PrideStaff. Browse our open jobs or contact us to learn more.