Often you will find that the people who occupy the best positions aren’t suitable for them, but unlike you they knew how to sell themselves to the right people.
I believe that social media should be part of the curriculum for every tertiary student. We are in an age where it doesn’t matter what you know, but who you know; and it is common to see sought-after positions being occupied by underqualified people. This is why it is imperative that you learn how to advance your careers using social networks. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Get yourself on social networks
If you’re not active on social networks, where have you been? If you really want that job, you need to be known. Create a name for yourself by getting on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter to identify and differentiate yourself.
Choose a digital home
A digital home is basically a central place for your work online where you can refer everyone who is interested in your work. If you’re a writer, you must have a blog; if you’re a photographer, you might have an Instagram account with a collection of your pics, and so on. This makes you look professional and enable people to find you.
Connect
Find people with similar interests and invite them to your network. Don’t be afraid to add opinion leaders in your field as well – you need to impress them and get noticed.
Be active
Don’t be afraid to quote a tweet from your organisation with your opinion, send Facebook or LinkedIn messages and even ask people to view your work. It’s often brave acts like these that make you instantly visible and set you apart from the rest. So participate and express your opinion.
Read
All of the above guidelines will be useless if you have nothing original to share. Graduating is not the end of your education! Continue reading up on your industry’s news and publications, and stay active on related platforms so that when you share your opinion or meet a leader in your industry, you will have something worthwhile to say.
