How Young Professionals Can Build a Brand on Social Media
Up to now you may have been using social media purely to keep up with your friends or favourite celebrities. However, if used correctly and carefully, social media can help you network, find employers and build your own brand to boost your employability.
With 1.15 billion active users per month on LinkedIn, now more than ever, many people are using social media for professional reasons, from networking to building their professional brand.
If you’re starting out your career and need some career advice, we’re here to let you know that LinkedIn can be a great way to get yourself out there and network with industry peers. If you want to build your professional brand online, here’s what to do.
What is the benefit of having a LinkedIn account?
A LinkedIn account offers numerous benefits, especially for young professionals. It serves as a dynamic online resume, showcasing your skills, experience and aspirations to potential employers.
Beyond a static CV, LinkedIn supports networking, connecting you with industry professionals, recruiters, and even mentors. It's a valuable platform for researching companies, exploring career paths and staying up-to-date on industry trends, especially for growing industries.
Active participation, like engaging with content and sharing your own insights, can boost your visibility and establish you as a knowledgeable professional in your field. LinkedIn empowers you to take control of your career trajectory, opening doors to new opportunities and helping you build a strong professional brand.
Steps to building a professional online brand
1. Clean up your act
Some employers like to search job applicants and candidates online. If you are in the process of applying for work or work experience, be mindful of your internet presence.
Instagram photos of you at a wild party, for example, are not what potential interviewers want to see. Make sure you screen and remove anything online that might put you in a negative light. You don’t have to keep it strictly business on every social media platform. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook can be an opportunity to show your personality. Or, if you don’t want to delete your personal pics, you could just privatise your account.
If you are uploading a photo to a professional networking site like LinkedIn, make sure you are wearing smart clothes and look business-like. Cropping one of your holiday snaps around the swimming pool will not create a serious impression! Unlike other platforms like Instagram and TikTok, LinkedIn is strictly business.
2. Choose your social media platform
In the UK and USA, the most common professional networking platform is LinkedIn. Some European countries like Germany and Austria prefer XINT – so you might want to set up a profile on there too.
When you create your profile, think of it as a shop window and you are selling a product – you – to a potential employer. Have a clear goal; it is usually possible to let recruiters know you are looking for work via a special button.
Use a short statement to showcase your key abilities under your profile name. For example “John Smith: Business graduate with excellent communication skills and marketing experience”.
Twitter can also be used for professional purposes. It is a good idea to set up a separate account for this and specialise in tweeting things connected to the industry you are interested in working in, or your own (constructive) thoughts and ideas about working life. Most employers have a twitter account, as do recruiters and employment agencies, so you’ll also gain access to plenty of job ads this way.
3. Use your professional social media platform
Invite everyone you have met on your employability journey so far to link up with you. You’ll find that they have connections themselves that you can contact and your network will grow quickly. It is also possible to follow companies and be kept up-to-date on their latest activities.
This kind of industry knowledge will really impress employers at an interview. Whenever you attend an event, be sure to post a picture with an interesting caption, thanking the organisers or mentioning what you enjoyed. If you’re using twitter, mention the organisers or companies involved and try to engage in conversation with them. Look up people you meet on LinkedIn and send them a contact request.
If used sensibly, social media is a great and uncomplicated way to job-hunt, increase your profile, showcase your abilities and experience and keep in touch with current professional trends and developments.
How to make a good LinkedIn profile as a young professional
Your LinkedIn profile is your digital first impression. As a young professional, it's crucial to make it count. Here's how:
- Professional photo: Use a recent, high-quality headshot where you look approachable and confident
- Headline beyond the job title: Instead of just "Marketing Intern," try "Marketer | Content Creation & Social Media Enthusiast"
- Compelling summary: This is your elevator pitch. Highlight your skills, passions, and career goals. Tailor it to the types of roles you're interested in
- Showcase your experience: Even if it's not a formal job, include internships, volunteer work, projects, and relevant coursework. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your accomplishments
- Skills & endorsements: List relevant skills and ask connections to endorse you. This adds credibility
- Recommendations: Request recommendations from professors, supervisors, or mentors who can speak to your strengths
- Be active: Engage with content, join relevant groups, and share your own insights. This increases your visibility
- Customise your URL: Make it easy to find and share your profile
- Proofread everything: Ensure your profile is error-free
- Keep it updated: Regularly add new experiences, skills, and accomplishments.
How to use LinkedIn effectively as a young professional
LinkedIn is more than just a digital resume; it's a powerful tool for networking and career development. Here's how to maximise its potential:
- Build your network strategically: Connect with classmates, professors, former colleagues, and people working in your field of interest. Don't be afraid to reach out to people you admire, but personalise your connection requests
- Engage with content: Like, comment, and share posts that resonate with you. This increases your visibility and shows your interests. Participate in relevant group discussions to connect with like-minded professionals
- Showcase your expertise: Share articles, blog posts, or even short updates about your work, projects, or insights on industry trends. This is the perfect time to discuss your industry placements. This positions you as a knowledgeable and valuable contributor
- Follow influencers and companies: Stay up-to-date on industry news and trends by following thought leaders and companies you're interested in. This can also give you insights into potential career paths
- Job search effectively: Use LinkedIn's job search feature to find opportunities that align with your skills and goals. You can also follow companies to see their job postings
- Reach out to recruiters: Many recruiters use LinkedIn to find talent. Make sure your profile is optimised with relevant keywords to increase your chances of being discovered
- Be consistent: Regularly update your profile, engage with content, and expand your network. The more active you are, the more value you'll get out of LinkedIn
How to use LinkedIn to get a job
LinkedIn can be a game-changer in your job search as a young professional. A well-optimised profile, incorporating keywords relevant to your target roles, is essential. Use LinkedIn's job search function to explore opportunities, filtering by criteria like industry, location and experience level.
However, don't just send applications blindly, instead, research the companies and recruiters you're interested in, then personalise your connection requests and messages, demonstrating genuine interest and showcasing your most relevant skills.
Actively engaging with content shared by companies and professionals in your field helps build your visibility and demonstrates your expertise. Joining relevant groups and participating in discussions allows you to network and potentially discover hidden job opportunities. Following companies you admire keeps you informed of new openings, and if you see any that are suitable for you, make sure to apply!
Careers advice for young people at The Manchester College
Thinking about your future career can be exciting, but also a little overwhelming. Where do you even start? At The Manchester College, we get it. That's why we're here to help you navigate your options and get ready for the working world.
Contact us today to chat about your goals and explore our range of courses designed specifically to give young people like you the edge you need. Our expert tutors are passionate about helping you succeed and we offer dedicated careers advice to guide you every step of the way.
Don't leave your future to chance – let The Manchester College help you build the career you've always dreamed of.