Many of today鈥檚 college students use social media as their main form of communication, but getting them to use it in a professional manner can sometimes be a challenge, according to Lisa Severy, director of the 麻豆影院 Office of Career Services.
With many employers using social media and conducting Google searches as part of their employee screening process, creating a positive and professional online presence can go a long way in helping students land a job out of school, according to Severy.
鈥淭he easiest way to do this is through free tools like LinkedIn where you can create a profile and have your job experience information and references for potential employers to see,鈥� Severy said. 鈥淚鈥檝e also had students create web pages that are basically their ultimate resume. Employers that want just a little more information don鈥檛 have to search for it randomly but they鈥檙e provided with that information up front.鈥�
However, simply building a professional online appearance is not the only thing students should worry about, says Severy. Minimizing a negative online presence can be just as important. A first step for many students includes not posting anything that could be viewed as unprofessional or embarrassing.
鈥淲hen you鈥檙e job searching, your primary social media audience needs to be employers,鈥� Severy said. 鈥淪ome career counselors talk about it being the 鈥榞randma test.鈥� If you don鈥檛 want your grandma to see it you probably don鈥檛 want an employer to see it.鈥�
Many colleges and companies around the globe are teaching students how to enhance a professional online image while minimizing anything negative, said Severy.
鈥淚 think having a resume in and of itself is not enough anymore,鈥� Severy said. 鈥淐ertainly you鈥檙e going to need a resume, but that can鈥檛 be the end-all, be-all.鈥�
For more information on how to leverage social media as part a job search strategy visit .听
Contact:
Lisa Severy, Career Services, 303-492-4104
Greg Swenson, CU media relations, 303-492-3113