When looking for work, it’s important to attack it from every angle. Having a strong resume and a compelling cover letter are no-brainers; but are you devoting enough time to using social media to your advantage? This step can sometimes be overlooked, but as social media is playing an increasingly essential role in the job-hunt process, it deserves energy and focus. 

Perhaps you’ve set up a profile that you think accurately represents your experience and aspirations, but you’re not seeing the results you know are critical to finding the right job. A recent article by The Muse highlights four ways that can help you not only stand out and increase the number of followers you have, but also to start and be a part of interesting career-related conversations. 

• Establish a clear goal. Clear direction can help you avoid some of the challenges that come from just “winging it.” Think about the outcomes you’re hoping for. For example, do you want a new job? Are you looking to change fields? Maybe you’d like to build your reputation as a leader in the industry. Once you can define exactly what it is you’re aiming for, make sure you’re able to clearly express it.
• Narrow down your platforms. Remind yourself that this is not a “more is more” situation. You want to focus your energy on one (or two, max!) platforms for your career goals. The number-one recommended platform is LinkedIn, while Twitter can also help you keep up with industry news or showcase the level of your knowledge and thought leadership.
• Add value to conversations. While sharing an article on LinkedIn or Twitter will suggest that you are current, it’s also important to add your own voice and thoughts. Make sure to contribute to the conversation so companies recognize your ability to think critically and present a unique take on a given subject. 
• Become a storyteller. Consider the way in which the content you post comes across. Is it interesting? Does it enable others to better understand your way of thinking and the role you play? Connecting an anecdote to information you share will showcase your personality and make you relatable. 

A recurring theme among The Muse’s recommendations above is that it takes work to create a positive professional presence online. As times change, so do trends and behaviors, so keeping up and putting in effort will continue to be necessary.

For more help, check out our upcoming webinars to learn how to build an effective LinkedIn profile and — new this year! — how to use social media to tell your best story.

Be sure to take a look at our section on Your Online Footprint for advice regarding online image, brand management and more!