If you have Facebook, Instagram or other social media accounts or an e-mail address, make sure they are suitable for employers to see. If you don’t know what is public, Google yourself.
Think about the following and whether you’d want your employer to see it:
- Number of hours spent on social media
- Pictures that are uploaded or you are tagged in
- People/groups/forums you follow or like
Facebook tips
- Have your security settings set to high/private to prevent potential employers seeing your personal posts and photos)
- Create a status update or post to a local community page to show you are looking for work, for example, 'I’m looking for work; anyone know of companies hiring landscape gardeners?'
Instagram tips
- Keep your profile private so potential employers cannot see your posts.
- Keep your stories only viewable to close friends and not public.
- Have an appropriate profile picture.
X tips
- Don’t follow everyone, look for 10-15 companies you really want to work for; and create lists.
- Follow companies of interest or different recruitment sites to get latest job posts and vacancies.
- Contribute articles, advice, opinions and questions on discussions forums.
LinkedIn:
- Create yourself a professional profile and account to start building your network.
- Use this website to search for vacancies, 93% of recruiters use Linkedln to advertise vacancies.
- Build up useful contacts in your chosen job sector to interact with individuals to gain knowledge and insight.
Watch this video '7 steps to complete your LinkedIn profile for jobseekers'
Talk to an SfYP Adviser
Young people who are not at school or college can come to their local SfYP young people's centre for help with progressing into education, training or finding a job or apprenticeship. Find your nearest centre here: