Social Media DON’TS For Job Seekers

In today’s world of technology, it’s easy for potential employers to learn a lot about you without ever having a conversation with you. Most of us have some sort of social media presence, which is often the digital first impression we give off.

A savvy job seeker can utilize their social media accounts to their advantage, but the opposite is also true. The following social media behaviors can prevent you from ever getting a shot at your dream job, so make sure to scout out your profiles!

Don’t bash employers

Social media might feel like the right place to vent about your trials and tribulations, and in some cases, a brief rant might get good attention. But if your profile is especially negative, especially to your employer, potential future employers will get the ick.

You might have legitimate reasons to complain about a previous employer, and there are plenty of bad bosses and organizations out there. But for the same reasons you wouldn’t want to badmouth a previous employer in an interview, you should also avoid bashing them on social media.

Posting negatively about your employer displays a lack of professionalism and disrespect toward workplace confidentiality. A company will think you’d be just as willing to bash them online and discuss their sensitive matters.

“Your social media accounts may be a place to express yourself, but if you’re in the job market, those accounts will be used to evaluate you as a future employee and culture fit.” –Adrianne Bibby, FlexJobs

Don’t overshare

Social media allows you to curate what type of person you want to appear as to your online communities. You not be involved in direct one-on-one conversations in the same way online, but many of the same principles apply. If you’re an oversharer, you’ll certainly rub your audience the wrong way, including potential employers.

If you did a wicked keg stand, that will impress some people in your network but not necessarily your next employer’s HR department. And if you’re constantly lamenting about your ex, it might show a lack of awareness and knowing the time and place for some conversations. Oversharing can be the difference in getting a job or not.

Your profiles are certainly just that—your profiles. But if you’re putting potentially embarrassing content into the digital world, employers have every right to judge you based on that content. That’s why LibGig says to choose which platforms to use privately and which to use publicly. Take advantage of privacy settings and decide what type of content you want each platform to display.

Don’t spam

This one feels pretty obvious, but all spam doesn’t look like “HOT SINGLES IN YOUR AREA.” Sometimes, spamming is just being a little too eager with connection attempts or being too aggressive in sharing something. It’s easy to get excited and cross the line, which is why it’s so important to be vigilant.

Recruit Military writes not to send potential employers or hiring managers friend requests on sites like Facebook or to follow personal accounts on Instagram on Twitter/X. Unless a profile clearly exists in a professional-facing manner, you’re trying to creep on a stranger’s personal account. And, of course, there’s an irony there because companies might try to do the same to you. But it’s best to keep a professional distance.

Don’t share misinformation or highly controversial posts

If you’re searching for a job, ideally you want to appear as a wise, capable individual. Your resume might sell that, but if you’re spreading questionable information on social media, an employer will think you might not be capable of filtering information or you may have strong biases that could impact your work.

Wiser Brand’s Eugene Koplyk reminds us to always fact-check before sharing something. There’s a lot of misinformation out there and many malicious sites looking to exploit you. Sharing misinformation lowers your chances of being viewed as an expert and shows that you can’t take the time to verify something before sharing.

“Expressing your opinions on debatable topics can give the impression that your advice might be biased. As a result, employers could be reluctant to interview you or offer you a job.” –Job Store Staffing

Don’t neglect spelling and grammar

Finally, make sure that your posts and content on social media are legible. The days of writing in l33tspeak are over, and even meme accounts are rarely dropping “ u r”s anymore. You want to appear coherent.

FlexJob’s Adrianne Bibby says that even if you aren’t applying to a role with a lot of writing or editing, you still need to look professional. An employer may have doubts about your competence if they see consistent errors. Beyond basic grammar, avoid things like speaking in all caps, aggressive exclamation points, or dropping an absurd amount of hashtags.

“The occasional grammar or spelling error isn’t the end of the world, but don’t let it become a pattern.” –Doug MacMillan, Mechanical Business

Wrap up

Your social media accounts may be a place to express yourself, but if you’re in the job market, those accounts will be used to evaluate you as a future employee and culture fit. By avoiding these common social media pitfalls, you’ll be clearly visible as a professional, courteous, self-aware, and competent individual. Be aware of your posting habits and consider how you’ll appear to any hiring managers.

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Try These Japanese Productivity Methods!

Sometimes, no matter how much of a roll you’re on with your career, you can get into a rut. It isn’t easy staying productive 100% of the time. If your usual methods aren’t working, consider trying something new, like one of these proven Japanese productivity methods.

Looking outside of your comfort zone can be the best way to tackle any issues on your plate with a new mindset. Japanese culture has a history of innovation and efficiency in both interpersonal and professional matters, and the following techniques have proven effective worldwide. So if you’re looking to take your productivity to new levels, try these philosophies!

Kaizen

Kaizen is a versatile way of viewing the world that can influence you in all facets of life. Translated as “continuous improvement,” Kaizen helps reframe perspective.

At its core, Kaizen is about the idea of improving by breaking down life into smaller, more manageable assets. Every problem, no matter how daunting, can be broken down into smaller, less daunting tasks that feel more achievable. These small, gradual improvements eventually lead to big results. Improvement doesn’t take place all at once but rather in small changes over our lives, and this philosophy reflects that.

According to Medium’s Garvit Rastogi, this idea is based on old Tanzanian proverbs.

“One small step, two big steps, three small steps, four big steps, five big steps, six big steps, seven small steps, eight small steps, nine small steps, ten big steps, and so on.”

Kanban

If you work best utilizing visual mediums like SWOT analyses, then Kanban might be up your alley. And if you don’t, maybe this change of pace can be the change you need to get to the next level.

According to MUD’s Beatrice Manuel, Kanban, which means “visual card,” involves visually mapping out your tasks on something like a board or notecard (there are even digital programs that can help) and dividing them into three categories, “To-Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.” This allows you to once again break down ideas into manageable stages as well as keep an organized list of your progress. Sometimes, seeing an issue broken down on a board makes it seem more digestible.

LinkedIn states that Kanban was developed for Toyota by industrial engineer Taiichi Ohno and was popularized in the West by Jim Benson. Try using different board methods to find what works for you!

“Toyota line-workers used kanban to visually show steps in their manufacturing process, which allowed teams to communicate more easily about what work needed to be done, when it needed to be done, and by whom. It was revolutionary at the time. And Toyota significantly reduced waste and improved productivity.” –Chad Reid, Jotform

Ikigai

If your productivity problems lie more with purpose than the actual tasks at hand, Ikigai may be of use. This methodology represents a different way of looking at your life.

Ikigai combines the words for “life” and “value” and represents the art of finding purpose and value in the work we do. It’s easy to feel dehumanized at work, especially if you’re in a role you don’t love. Because Ikigai represents a change in mindset, Beatrice Manuel says that it takes a conscious effort.

In general, Ikigai is about finding purpose and fulfillment in life, but it has been adopted in the West to find one’s ideal career. According to BetterUp’s Erin Eatough, the commonly embraced version of Ikigai looks at what you love, what you’re good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs. At the center of these four points is your Ikigai. Try to find the answers to these questions, and at the center, you’ll find the right career for you.

Jidoka

If you have a problem with “product” quality or with your process, Jidoka might be the right tool for you. Another valuable thought process from Toyota, allows you to quickly address the root of the problem.

Also known as “autonomation,” Jidoka represents finding and stopping errors to keep products made on time. Lean Enterprise Solutions explains that autonomation means automation with human intelligence at the core.

While obviously applicable to any product-making industry, the process works for all industries. Calendar’s Deanna Ritchie describes the four steps of Jidoka as identifying the problem, immediately stopping the process, resolving the issue, and getting to the root of the problem. Essentially, as soon as a problem becomes apparent, stop the process and immediately figure out the issue.

Letting a problem fester leads to problems, and time away may muddy the waters in identifying what the problem is. The sooner you admit there’s a problem and take steps to address it, the sooner the process can get back on track.

Wrap up

Whether it’s getting through daily frustrations or finding answers to long-standing problems, these productivity models from Japan might help you find previously locked solutions. A change in perspective is a way to view a problem from a different angle, and opening yourself up to different cultural viewpoints is never a bad thing. Hopefully, one of these proven methods can lead to increased productivity in your life!

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Increasing Your Visibility On LinkedIn

Having a presence on LinkedIn is a must for the modern job seeker. Simply having a profile and being a ghost on the platform isn’t enough. If you’re trying to stand out and find a new job, you need to make an effort to be visible to recruiters and hiring managers.

Competition for jobs is tough, and you need to find a way to stand out from thousands of other users. Make sure that your profile is working for you and keeping you visible by taking these expert-recommended steps!

Have a catchy headline

By default, LinkedIn will make your headline your current job title. While these might make sense at first, many people don’t realize that your headline can be up to show up to 200~ characters on mobile. This gives you an often underutilized space to market yourself. Plus, it’s the first thing someone viewing your profile sees after your name.

A generic headline makes you easy to overlook, so get your personal brand out there. HBR’s Jane Heifetz uses the example of a marketing professional using the following headline to express interest in a health and wellness-related career:

“Holistic health/yoga instructor, consultant, connecter * Marketing executive for small businesses & nonprofits”

This shows the applicant’s passion for the industry, their specific niche, and provides desirable skills.

Keep your summary up to date

Likewise, you should keep your summary or “About Me” section constantly updated and tailored to make you stand out. Don’t just have a summary of your duties or create an indecipherable labyrinth of buzzwords. Instead, use this space to tell a story and communicate the value you’d bring to any organization lucky enough to have your services.

This is an ideal space to use keywords targeted toward your industry in a meaningful way. Find ways to relate your accomplishments to your desired role in an organic way. You’ll showcase your skills in a way that makes you appear in search engines and shows off your personality.

Have a headshot and banner

Don’t force your words to carry you by themselves, though. Unlike a resume, where having a picture of you is a bad idea, you want to have a clear headshot visible. Don’t forget that LinkedIn is ultimately a social media platform. If your name appears on every comment you make or every application you send out, you want your photo next to it. Make sure it’s a professional and current picture, of course.

“Instead of the default blue banner, use something that catches people’s attention and reflects what is important to you. It might be a picture of your workspace or something you use in your line of work.” –Careerist

While a headshot may seem obvious, an often forgotten space is the banner of your profile. You can use one of LinkedIn’s graphics or create your own as something like a virtual business card. CNBC Make It’s Gili Malinsky highlights this as a prime real estate spot where you can show off who you are as a professional. This lets you show off more personality while highlighting what matters to you.

Fill out your full profile

You’ve got the flashy, immediately visible elements updated, but don’t skimp on the core skeleton of your profile. The more you have filled out, the more information a potential recruiter will have access to, and the more likely your profile will show up in searches.

Of particular note is the “Skills” section, which Distinctive Web believes is often neglected. Job titles and desired skills are the two most likely types of keywords recruiters will search for. Having a solid list of your skills (worded slightly differently thanks to the way LinkedIn’s Skills section works) in addition to peppering them throughout your summary and experience will give you a better chance of being found.

Post regularly

Having a good profile is just the first start. Make sure to actually use that profile! You don’t want to be annoying, but you don’t want to be a ghost either. Finding a balance of posting, commenting, and sharing will keep you more visible than users who don’t.

By posting somewhat regularly, you’ll show up toward the top of your connections’ feed. This creates more engagement opportunities, creating even more visibility. Kate Wade says that when in doubt, shoot to create thought-leadership-type posts or light-hearted observations to build connections.

“Post at least once a week but not more than once per day. You can comment on content, share others’ content, or create your own.” –Elissa Harris, mbaMission

Wrap up

It doesn’t take much effort to have a visually appealing LinkedIn profile that will draw in recruiters. You’d be surprised how many job seekers neglect these seemingly easy steps. The key is to craft a profile that fits your personal brand and to make consistent efforts to update your profile. Soon enough, you’ll find recruiters looking your way!

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How To Find A Career Mentor

Navigating a career path is intimidating no matter what route you choose, but you don’t have to go it alone. One of the greatest champions you can find in your career journey is a mentor; not just a teacher or advisor but a trusted ally and friend.

Yet while many professionals believe a mentor is a boon, only 37% of people have them according to a 2019 survey. This study found the majority of mentor-mentee relationships formed organically, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be proactive and find one. If you’re looking to form a mutually beneficial relationship with a mentor, embrace these strategies!

Consider what you want first

Before you start your search, ask yourself what you’re looking for out of the relationship. Are you looking for someone with a specific title, someone in a desired industry, or general career advice? Reflect on the type of success you’re looking for, what your values are, and what type of feedback you respond best to.

Forbes’ Liz Elting says that if you’re not honest with yourself, you’ll end up wasting your time and your potential mentors. As a mentee, you need to be coachable and open to feedback, take the initiative to check-in, and be comfortable discussing your goals, according to LinkedIn’s Jon Jennings. So take time to do self-scouting before you start looking.

Check within your existing networking

Once you know what you’re looking for, start by looking within your existing sphere of influence. There could be someone at your company, a former professor or colleague, or a member of an alumni association that could be a good fit.

Indeed’s Jennifer Herrity says to look at the people you admire in your network and write down why. Consider who has the attributes you admire and what challenges they have faced in their career. Then, you can reach out and break the ice. Don’t be afraid to go through your LinkedIn or social media profiles to see if there is someone you haven’t considered. You may already have the ideal mentor in your network.

Take to the internet

Even if the ideal mentor isn’t someone you already know, don’t be discouraged. Social media and networking tools like LinkedIn are great places to make new connections. With more people working remotely than ever before, it’s a good time to digitally connect.

You can start by asking your existing connections if they know someone who could be a good fit for you. Even if that doesn’t work, you can try alumni groups if you went to a college or worked with a particular group. If all else fails, LinkedIn Groups are a great way to find something in your niche, according to FlexJob’s Kimberli Lowe-MacAuley. Using LinkedIn, you can search for specific groups, and LinkedIn will offer some tips to get started!

“When searching, you can begin adding topical keywords to target groups specific to your career field. Rather than type in “designers,” for instance, you can try “freelance graphic designers” to find a more targeted group. You’re sure to find a group that will suit your career goals.” – Kimberli Lowe-MacAuley

Ask

Once you find someone that seems like you good fit, you have the most nerve-wracking task ahead of you—you need to ask! You don’t need to write a note saying “will u be my mentor? y/n,” but you do need to find a way to ask that isn’t too forward or needy.

Harvard Business Review states that many ambitious career advancers will make their ask too soon—after just one or two conversations with a person. Being bold can be beneficial, but you want your request to have context and be a natural fit. You want to make sure this is going to be a good fit, and one conversation isn’t enough to know that.

Kimberli Lowe-MacAuley says that in your initial conversation, you’ll essentially be doing an elevator pitch and asking someone for their time. Explain why you admire them, what you hope to gain, and why you are worth their time. You don’t need to officially ask for the title of mentor. That relationship may just develop that way after having multiple conversations.

“You might also consider asking the other person to formally be your mentor, though this is not a necessity. While some people will be happy to take on the role of mentor, others might resist a formal title associated with increased responsibility. Use your own discretion when making this decision.” –Coursera

Wrap up

Remember: finding a mentor doesn’t mean finding the highest-ranked person you can find and copying their career path. You want to find a good fit, someone you can really connect with. You may have many different mentors at different stages of your career. In turn, make sure to be a good mentee and offer help where you can. And if you do find a good mentor, pass down that good fortune by becoming a mentor yourself in the future!

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Avoid Looking Desperate In Your Job Search!

There are many situations in life where you’ll simply need whatever job you can find. Whether you’re moving to a new city, switching industries, or simply need to pay the bills, sometimes you’ll need to take what you can find. But don’t make that obvious through the job-seeking process. Coming across as desperate will significantly lower your shot of getting hired.

“The problem with desperation is that it causes you to focus on what you should get rather than what you can give. And when a company is hiring, they’re concerned with the latter, not the former.” –Mark Anthony Dyson

Even when employers themselves desperately need to fill a role, they don’t like when a job seeker appears desperate. As a job seeker, you need to express the value you can bring to that organization rather than focusing on your needs. In order to avoid looking desperate in your search, avoid these common behaviors.

Spamming recruiters

Following up on an application is generally a good idea. If you take time to find the hiring manager’s email address or LinkedIn profile and send them a quick little message introducing yourself, it can give you a leg up on other applicants.

That doesn’t mean pestering someone. You may really want to hear back about this particular position, even if you aren’t overly desperate in general. Perhaps they’ve taken a while to get back to you, but there could be a multitude of reasons for it. Many of these reasons have little to do with you as an applicant.

But LinkedIn’s Alex Cole says that by sending multiple follow-up attempts, you’ll come across as desperate and lose any interest they had for you. Feel free to send one intro message and maybe a follow-up within the suggested time frame, but otherwise, move on.

Applying for multiple roles at the same company

If you really like a company, you may be tempted to send multiple applications to different roles to get your foot in the door. More chances mean more opportunities, right? Wrong; this is actually a good way to appear desperate.

“Employers want to see that you’re a great fit for a particular job. That can be hard to accomplish when you’re applying for every single job that opens at a company.” -career coach Vicki Lind

Monster’s Daniel Bortz points out that applying for multiple roles makes you seem unfocused. You want to tailor your documents to every individual role to appear like the best fit. Applying for too many roles looks like you’re just hoping something sticks. Instead, if you get an interview, mention you’d be open to other roles within the company and express your excitement in a non-desperate way.

Being pessimistic or needy

Conmen also might appeal to pathos by telling their mark some sad story to gain sympathy and put them at ease. This is not a good strategy for a job search! Trying to tell a sob story or expressing how badly you need this job is peak desperation.

Hiring someone is just as stressful for the manager as it is for the candidate. It’s expensive to hire and train a new employee, and if it doesn’t work out, that reflects poorly on the hiring manager. They won’t stake their career on a sob story—and you might not be the only one attempting one.

Ivy Exec says that being willing to do anything for the job isn’t a good look. It doesn’t show you’ll be good at the job at all! Instead, you need to show the value you’d bring the organization and express why you’re the best fit for the role. Let your skills be what persuades the interviewer.

Being a suck-up

Being negative and mopey won’t help you land a job, but neither will being a total butt-kisser. Groveling and overpraising make you appear super desperate.

It’s good to be positive and express excitement for the role. And everyone loves to be complimented. But it’s incredibly easy to see when it’s being laid on too thick. Virtual Vocation’s Eric Schad says to remember that “less is more.” Balance is always a good approach, and it’s no different with flattery.

“For a subtler approach, ask the interviewer, “If you had to attribute your success to one skill or trait, what would it be?” “You’re essentially asking the person why they’re good at their job, which is flattering,” –Steve Dalton, author

Accepting the first salary offered

Even if you hold it all together through the process, don’t trip over the finish line. When you get that coveted offer, don’t act too desperate, and don’t blindly take what you’re offered.

Many job seekers are already reluctant about negotiating their opening salary—Robert Half found that only 39% of respondents negotiate the opening offer. It’s even worse when you say you’ll take anything. It can make a manager wonder whether you’ll go above and beyond in any capacity.

Wrap up

You may really need a new job, but it’s crucial to be intentional in your efforts. Just like with dating, coming off as desperate is a great way to turn off any potential connections. Be tactful in your efforts and avoid spray-and-pray approaches and you’ll appear much more hireable.

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