In October 2024, it was reported that 5.22 billion, or 63.8 percent of the world’s population, were social media users. Let the statistics show, you likely use social media regularly to chat with friends, share thoughts and stay current with the news. As a student, social media is also a helpful tool for building connections.
However, your social media presence reveals a lot about you and may even boost or hurt your job prospects. How can social media affect job opportunities? Simple: In many ways, it acts as the new resume.
How Can Social Media Hurt Your Career?
When you apply for job opportunities, you may be surprised to learn recruiters and potential employers often conduct “background checks” behind the scenes. In the early stages, those checks often happen on social media. According to a Harris Poll, about 70% of recruiters screen applicants using social media.
Many employers search online to learn more about you and whether you’d be a good fit. While they review your skills and work history, they may also look for any personality red flags or inappropriate content.
How Can Social Media Help Your Career?
Social media can be a powerful tool for you as you look to grow your network and seek job opportunities.
As an example, if you’re searching for an open position that matches your skillset consider posting about your job search while keeping your tone professional. Calling on your network and sharing the skillset you offer and what you’re looking for may lead you to the right opportunity. Adding specific keywords related to your career field can also help improve your visibility in search results.
How To Optimize Your Online Profiles
To optimize social media for career development, start by listing all of your social profiles. Common ones include:
- X
- TikTok
Once you know where you show up online, check for any images or content that might be unappealing to potential employers. According to a Jobvite survey, references to alcohol consumption, marijuana and political topics top the list. Also, review your posts for spelling and grammar issues, and make sure future posts don’t have any glaring errors.
Optimizing Your Life for Career Growth
Apart from using social media to advance your career, it’s important to look at your day-to-day life. Reduce stress, reach out to people you haven’t seen in a while and get involved in your community. Attending local events, such as job fairs or community programs, can help put you top of your mind for potential career opportunities. You never know who might be attending a community event — it might be a recruiter or your future employer.
During your MedCerts education, you can also chat with Student Success Advisors and Career Coaches. They can offer a wealth of information and guidance to help you achieve your educational goals.
Get Off to the Right Start With MedCerts
If you’ve ever asked, “How can social media affect job opportunities,” you’ve taken the first step toward success. Knowing what to keep and what to delete from social media can help highlight your educational knowledge, skills and what you bring to the table as a professional. Whether you’ve just enrolled or are nearing graduation, take advantage of MedCerts’ IT and allied health connections to connect with the right employers. Now’s the time to show off your best self. Good luck!
