These days, finding a job is hard, and just submitting resumes to different companies isn't enough anymore. The face of job hunting has changed, and nowadays, having a professional social media life is what will make or break your chances at landing a job. Companies now use social media to recruit new personnel. Almost 80% of all companies are recruiting using social media, or will start recruiting later this year. They are also using it to check on employees. If you want to get a good jump start on getting a great social media campaign that will increase your chances of getting hired, you should follow these guidelines.

Facebook PhotosClean up your online photos.
  • Clean up your online photos. If you are a recent college grad, this means that you need to take those photos of your frat parties off Facebook, ASAP. Sexually suggestive photos, as well as photos that display your drinking abilities, need to be out of your profile while you job hunt.
  • Know what media to use. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are used by most recruiters. If you are hoping to land a job on YouTube or Myspace, you are going to be sadly disappointed.
  • Don't rant on your social media, especially about your job. Whining, ranting, and outright insulting others isn't professional, nor is it becoming. One of the most famous cases of Facebook firing happened when an employer discovered that his new hire was openly insulting him on social media. Don't let this happen to you!
  • Prove that you are knowledgeable about your field. Writing a couple of blurbs which offer tips and tricks about your field every week or so can make a huge difference in whether or not you are recruited.
  • Be professional online, and off. Keeping your grammar correct, your spelling perfect, and your tone light is a good way to show your professionalism online.
  • Offering advice to others online is a very good way to network while making yourself an authority on the subject. As an authority in your field of work, you will get a higher chance of getting hired, and it's also quite likely that you will get a higher salary offer.
  • Use your common sense. If you dress unprofessionally in photos, you will be taken as a person who isn't professional. Some things are still the same, both in life and on the net. Appearances are always going to count.

Your social media accounts might be a first introduction from you to a company. Having a professional, friendly, and intelligent online persona lets you make a great impression on employers. By giving them a great first impression, you are letting them have confidence in you. More and more people are being recruited by social media. Isn't it time that you start investing your time in it?