Top 10 Social Media Tips for Going from College to Professional

Transitioning from your care-free college days, where posting about the latest party was cool, to the world of business (where it's a big no-no) can be a bit of an adjustment for recent grads and young job-seekers, but is essential for your professional growth and reputation management. Social media is not only a great way to connect with other professionals, but is also one of the first tools many employers may use to learn more about you and your personal brand.

As a reputable full-service real estate staffing agency that offers services in multiple California, Colorado and Texas cities, as well as Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Atlanta, Georgia; and Seattle, Washington, we are knowledgeable about the traits that employers are looking for when hiring. In celebration of our 10 year anniversary, check out these 10 tips for 'going pro'? on social media:

1. Think before you post. Although everyone needs to let off steam sometimes, venting on social media can make you look unprofessional and unhappy. Instead of posting about your terrible day at work, post about things that inspire you or about what you did to turn your 'bad day'? into a good one. With that being said, don't over-post to the point of losing followers and always check for spelling and grammatical errors!
2. Review old photos. Yes, that one photo that was taken at that one party during the first semester of your freshman year in college still exists and is searchable. While you can't take back what has already been done (one of the drawbacks of the World Wide Web) you can at least un-tag yourself and hide 'risqué'? photos from your profile. If you personally posted these to an album back when you thought it was cool, the delete button is your new best friend.
3. Ask yourself'”'Would I want to hire me?'? What do my social media profiles say about me and what are potential employers actually looking for? Do I look like someone who is fun? Outgoing? Driven? Intelligent? Focused? Excited? Respectful?
4. Look at social media in a new way. Consider it a networking tool and not just a sounding board for what is happening in your life today. Yes, your breakfast looks delicious, but what value are you providing to others in your posts? Write and share helpful industry tips and articles that you read and find useful, while still keeping things fun. After all, your personality is still an important factor in the hiring process! (And as an aside, don't stop posting your food art, but be sure you're also including the recipe.)
5. Make someone smile. If you are on social media every day,take the challenge to comment, like, or share at least one positive thing with someone else...every day. Not only will it brighten someone else's day (and yours), it will also making you look like a true team player to employers.
6. If you wouldn't say it in front of your grandma (or someone else that you respect very much), don't post it on social media. Need we say more?
7. Utilize multiple platforms. Social media is still a very hot topic for many businesses around the world, and although it may change form over the years, it is not showing any signs of slowing down or going away. The more you know about various classic and upcoming platforms, the more value you provide to an employer who may or may not have the same level of expertise.
8. Check your Privacy Settings. This is especially important when it comes to Facebook. Limit the kind of posts that users who are not your 'friends'? can see. You can also create a filter that requires you to approve any posts that others may tag you in.
9. Search Twitter for the words 'I hate my job'? for examples of tweets NEVER to post. And remember,employers search these posts, too.
10. Be your best self! Being active on social media as a professional doesn't mean pretending that you're someone you're not. It simply means you should be knowledgeable about the kinds of traits you want to accentuate (your passion for helping others, positive attitude, drive to succeed, etc.) and the kinds of things you don't.

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By JoAnne Williams
Founder, President and CEO