Role of social media in our lives

When was the last time you checked your social media app? A few minutes or maybe a few hours ago, right? Did you know, on average, an internet consumer spends two hours and twenty-two minutes on social media in a day globally?

From being a platform for social conversations, social media apps have turned into a multi-purpose tool leveraging advertising, shopping, small to large scale business expansion, sentiment feeler, lifestyle improvement, career growth, job search and so much more.

Yes, now you can use your social media accounts for finding jobs. With the increasing demand for online jobs, social media is rapidly gaining popularity as a link between job seekers and employers.

How to use social media for career development

1. Build your personal brand

A brand is made up of an individual’s profile and other social details such as status updates, pictures, check-ins, interactions, etc. Here are a few things you could do to build your personal brand:

Put a decent hi-res profile picture and write a concise 'Bio' of yourself.
Delete or hide too private and offensive content since it can impact your image adversely.
Update your profile regularly, especially in terms of location, place of work, certifications/degrees, activities and events, and interests
Engage in creative content, such as blogs, articles, presentations as these are some strong indicators of your interest and skills as a coveted candidate

2. Maintain a professional image

A strong professional image on social media can go a long way in landing you the job your desire!

Avoid a casual nickname and instead, use your full name in your social media profiles
Use smart witty language for your posts and comments and avoid slangs or a brash tone of voice.
Have an opinion but do not get carried away with objectionable remarks and comments

3. Expand your network

Help can come in any form as far as your social network is concerned. You never know who may turn out to be a useful source of information or a reference in your job search.

Connect with professionals and HRs in your field of professional interest.
Be responsive and quick when people approach you for any information or help. In this case, the more you give, the more you will receive in your times of need.
Remain active by posting or commenting on relevant and important posts, trends and topics. It will help you stay updated with the latest news and industry sentiments.

4. Showcase skills that set you apart

To apply to any job vacancy, you need to possess a specific set of skills. With employers and HRs in your social network, make sure your social media profile highlights your skill sets.

Make use of the skills section in certain social media apps and add your skill sets there
Show your skills in the form of a sample. If for example, you have video editing skills, then you can post a brilliantly edited video on your social media page

Keep upskilling yourself and post about your new learning/skills as a means of a career upgrade.

5. Download a genuine career app

The internet witnesses the rise and fall of hundreds of new apps and sites every day. Needless to say, many such platforms are fake and used to trap job seekers and employers alike. Whether you are looking for online jobs or searching for job vacancies related to your domain expertise, choose a holistic career app like apna that has been recognised by Google Play Store as India’s best app for personal growth and is trusted by over 5 million users.

Take your career forward

So, what are you waiting for? If you are serious about your career, join apna app where you can find everything on one platform - from job search and professional networking to skill development and career growth.

Install today!