The business world has embraced social media completely, making it easier for professionals to connect on a digital level. Many employers post new job openings on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Here are three top tips to help secure your dream apprenticeship via social media.
1. Get the word out.
Whether it’s on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn, let your friends and followers know that you are actively looking for an apprenticeship.
Advertise you skill set and qualifications, including what type of work you’re looking for, and one of them may just know that someone is hiring.
If you already have a job however, it’s probably better that you don’t broadcast your intentions on social media, as you never really know who’s looking at your profile and you may find yourself unemployed!
2. Connect with the right people.
Social media is a great place to make connections, particularly on LinkedIn, the largest business-oriented social media site in the world.
First thing you should do is write down the names of companies that you’re interested in working for and find out if they have a social media account. Once you follow a company you can be automatically updated on any new apprenticeship openings.
Go one step further and find out who is in charge of hiring apprentices within each of your selected companies. The likelihood is that they will be on LinkedIn, so engage with them.
By going out of your way to apply for an apprenticeship, you’re showing your potential employer that you’re committed and that you will go the extra mile to get what you want.
3. Make sure all your profiles are “employer-friendly”.
In today’s digital world, your social media profile is just as important as your CV. Make sure that your Twitter and Facebook pages don’t contain any offensive material that could destroy your chances of achieving an apprenticeship.
In 2013, 17-year-old Paris Brown resigned from her role as Youth Crime Commissioner for Kent Police after it was found she posted offensive material on Twitter when she was just 14. It just goes to show that your social media history can come back to bite you.
Your profile picture has to be professional. Avoid late night party snaps and selfies and if you want to keep employers from seeing your profile, set it to private within the settings page.
Within all your profiles, create a readable and interesting biography. Tell people a little bit about yourself, including your work background and what kind of role you’re looking for. You can also include a link to your resume or online portfolio on your profile.
