It’s easy to forget that your personal social media accounts can be accessed by potential or existing employers – or just anyone with your full name and a quick Google search.

Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish your personal life from your professional, and it’s all too easy to post something in the heat of the moment and have it seen by the wrong eyes – which is dangerous when more and more employers are taking to social media to find out about their potential employees.

So, let’s iron out your social platforms, and work out how you can begin to treat your profile like you would an online CV!

Public vs. Private

This is such a simple fix. Don’t want your personal Instagram to be seen by your colleagues? Privatize it. This way, only approved followers will be able to see your content, shielding it from your employers.

It’s good to still remember that you’re posting online and that your digital footprint will be archived – meaning it can still lead back to you. If you are posting defamatory content about your employer or showing that you were on a night out and have had to call in sick today because of it, tread carefully (and rethink your posting etiquette). Although your profile may be private, there’s nothing stopping anyone screenshotting your content and passing it on.

Anything posted online becomes public property. We’re not telling you to stop living your life, but to post with consideration – you never know who may come across your photos or comments.

It’s Great to Showcase Your Skills

This is especially prevalent for creative professionals.

If you’re a writer, using a personal blogging platform to promote your work is essential. Not only does it show ability, it proves commitment, which falls hand-in-hand with the swathes of job adverts that now call for blogging experience in their criteria.

Similarly, photography slots perfectly into Instagram’s demographic. If you want it separate from your personal account, create a new page, and populate it with your work. You can then start to create a community of like-minded individuals – which is also a great way to get your work seen, leading to paid opportunities.

The list is endless – MUAs, hair stylists, chefs, architects – whatever your profession, you can find a platform to suit your field and help promote your skills. Tailor your content to highlight what you want people to know about you – and harness your platform to the best of your ability to promote your own personal brand.

You Can Have a Personality

This is a big point. Don’t get caught up with thinking your social media needs to be staid and crisp in terms of professionality – you can and should keep your personality at the forefront.

As with any job application, employers will be used to seeing tons of forms that look the same – the same experience, skill-set, and aspirations – but what helps to set them apart will be your personality.

Keep content acceptable for the workplace – but there is no harm in showing your humor with your followers. It’s what makes you a person, and sometimes can be just as important as your actual skill-set.

Prove Your Commitment with Regular Posts

If you are serious about pushing your online content, make sure you are prepared to stick to a routine. Employers can date check and see how frequently your posts appear – and if they’re once in a blue moon, it doesn’t scream commitment.

Be consistent with your uploads, but remember that quality is better than volume.

Include Contact Information

Don’t miss this one out! Although you can be contacted via direct message on most platforms, it’s always good to have a personal email attached to the account to allow for more professional contact.

And Finally, Don’t Post Anything You Wouldn’t Want Your Boss to See

Exercise caution and restraint with what you post online. Would you feel comfortable showing your employer, parents, or family members what you’re posting? If you wouldn’t, you then have to ask yourself the question: does this content really belong online?