Preparing for Your Job Search – Tips for Handling Your Online Presence
Social Media apps by Jason Howie / CC BY 4.0
Despite the fact that online social media engagement is ubiquitous across large segments of the population, for many attorneys, the use of social media as a networking and visibility tool remains something of a mystery. Understanding the value of social media – and developing an attractive online presence – can give any attorney a leg up on the competition. If effectively leveraged, an advanced social media presence can give you a platform to communicate your expertise, network with likeminded professionals, and express your ideal self to potential employers.
Unfortunately, not all professionals are able to effectively leverage their online presence. In fact, if incorrectly handled, an attorney’s social media profiles and various other online engagements may lead to negative assessments of “hireability” and cultural “fit”.
To better maximize the value of your online presence while minimizing the risks involved, consider implementing the following tips.
Tip #1: Conduct an initial assessment of your digital footprint.
In the state of California, employers are generally prohibited from requiring applicants to provide access to their personal social media accounts, unless it is relevant for an investigation of employee misconduct. Still, despite prohibitions on requiring access, many employers will conduct an assessment of an applicant’s digital footprint. Before you begin your job search, it is therefore crucial that you take the time to search for yourself online and see what is linked to your identity.
There may be social media posts, articles, blogs, and other personal content floating around in the digital ether that could hurt your professional image. If the problematic content is located on personal accounts, remove or limit public access to said accounts. If the content is hosted on a third-party account or website, take steps to contact the owner and request removal.
Tip #2: Properly curate your social media content.
If you are an active social media user and would prefer to use your various social media profiles – such as LinkedIn – for professional networking purposes, then hiding content or removing public access to your social media profiles may not be ideal.
You want eyes on your digital footprints. You want to be noticed.
Instead, consider carefully curating the content you post on your active social media profiles. Until you have completed your job search, avoid posting politically or socially controversial content that may turn away potential employers. Posting personal content that may be considered outrageous or scandalous should also be avoided.
Tip #3: Take the time to develop your online profiles.
Your social media profiles that you allow employers to access (by enabling public access, or by including potential employers in your network) should be properly maintained and developed.
For a professional networking platform like LinkedIn, make sure to build out your profile to the extent possible. A skeleton-profile can leave a negative impression on potential employers – they may interpret your bare digital footprint as an indication of laziness, or they may assume that you are simply not a technologically savvy candidate.
Always keep your profiles up-to-date with your latest employment information. Internal statistics at LinkedIn reveal that users with up-to-date profiles are 18 times more likely to be discovered in searches conducted by other users on the platform. On LinkedIn, it is important that you set a profile picture. If possible, use a more formal photo (or have a headshot photo taken at a professional studio). Statistics show that a professional photo makes you 14 times more likely to be discovered on the platform.
Finally, update your profile with your relevant skills and – if the platform supports endorsement functionality, such as LinkedIn – request endorsements and testimonials to further enhance the legitimacy of your profile.
Tip #4: Network with likeminded professionals.
Using social media to connect with attorneys in your industry and practice areas can be an effective long-term strategy for furthering your career. Join groups of professionals on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms, and contribute to discussions. By actively engaging with a community of professionals in your area of practice, you increase the possibility of interfacing with people who are positioned to help you move your career forward.
Tip #5: Keep all communications professional in tone.
Standards for professional communication via social media platforms are admittedly inconsistent. Many attorneys have become accustomed to using emoticons and shorthand language in their online communications. Excessively casual language, poor grammar, and inconsistent punctuation can reflect poorly on your candidacy, however. Though some employers may be accepting of casual communication, it is good practice to write in a professional manner when communicating with potential employers and other attorneys, even when doing so through the medium of a social network. Eloquence never goes out of style.
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If you are in search of exciting new legal job opportunities, speak with a legal recruiter at Garb Jaffe & Associates. We have extensive experience placing attorneys with law firms and corporations located across California, and will advise throughout the process to ensure that you secure an ideal placement.
Call us today at (310) 207-0727 for a free consultation.