Keep up to date with employers
During the application process you will be expected to demonstrate an enthusiasm for the role / organisation, also an understanding of what they do, current issues they face and clearly express why you want to work for them.

Following relevant employers on Twitter and Facebook for example, could give you the opportunity to find out about their latest vacancies and business news. See also Researching jobs, sectors and employers for further advice.

Demonstrate your knowledge and skills
Blogging, Tweeting, online forums and professional platforms such as Behance and Signtalent are ways for individuals to speak out about specific topics of interest to them, showcase their work, opinions and / or knowledge. You could do the same, thereby raising your profile positively and in a professional way within a sector you wish to break in to.

Keeping your blog current and up to date not only demonstrates your enthusiasm for your chosen industry but also your transferable skills such as the ability to multi-task and meet regular deadlines.

Make connections within your chosen industry
Tweeting and using professional networking sites such LinkedIn for students and graduates Facebook is one way to do this. They are portals for communicating so why not use them to locate others within your chosen industry, hear what they have to say, make connections and potentially gain job leads.

Search for interest groups and individuals with shared interests or for those currently working in industries / roles of interest to you. 

Remember to maintain a professional approach; don’t abuse this opportunity and hound employers. Think of these networks as ways to contribute your knowledge and opinions on particular subjects; employers may then make a connection with you if you make a great impression.

Do not wait until your final year to start building your professional contacts, start in your first year and give yourself time to make contacts and establish professional relationships.

Increase your contacts
Think about other people you can link to in a professional context. They could be family friends; people from your university; peers on your course; work colleagues; employers or people you have met at conferences and networking events. Connect with these contacts via your professional profile, keep friends linked to your personal social profile.

Use your online profile as your very own marketing tool
Use your online professional profiles to detail your skills, experience, interests – when you connect with people you are essentially showing them your CV. Having a professional online profile is one way of ensuring that the first thing an employer will see if they Google you is professional and positive. 

Tailor your Tweets
Tailor your professional Tweets and Twitter bio to your job search and add the following # tag if you are a graduate.  #gradjobseeker

So a typical #gradjobseeker tweet could read : "Recent grad, 1st in Engineering, wants to work in Sheffield/Yorks, #gradjobseeker"

Graduates Yorkshire are trialing this and encouraging students and graduates to add this hashtag so that employers will be able to search the hashtag and easily pick out graduates, something that is virtually impossible at the moment.

Let us know how you get on with this.

How to get hired using social media from Social Talent

Finding a job using LinkedIn from Social Talent

Ensure that your details are up to date at all times
If you do engage in any professional online networking then add your web pages, Blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn details to your CV. Employers may not know you are doing it unless you tell them.  These online platforms are an opportunity to showcase more of your work and who you are during the application process.

Ensure that your online brand is professional
Keep your private information private. Employers could easily search for you online to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate or if they are considering doing business with you for example; details about your personal and social life may not help to create the greatest first impression.

Protect your social networking accounts
Check your privacy settings and ensure that you control who has access to your profile. Friends of friends could be potential employers so think carefully about who you allow access to your profile. It is advisable to only allow direct friends to view your details.

Check to see what information employers could find out about you with a simple search online. Use websites such as 123 people to check out your own online profile, just type in your name, see what information you find and remove anything negative.

Use sensible profile pictures
If you searched for your details using 123 people then your profile pictures of social networking accounts may appear even if your actual profile is blocked. If this is the case then either change your privacy settings to ensure that your profiles pictures do not appear or ensure that you have a sensible profile picture.

Professional account ‘V’ social account
Consider setting up separate professional online networking accounts, use your professional accounts to network with potential employers and professional contacts. Ensure that they only see the professional you.

Keep negative comments offline
Don’t use social networking sites to air negative comments or frustrations; you never know who could be linked to you via your own contacts. 

Keep it professional at work

It is essential that you continue to follow all of the advice on this page once you are employed. As an employee you are representing the organisation that you work for, do not give your employer any reason to doubt whether you are up to the job. 

It is advisable to restrict your social net surfing to your own personal time, people have been known to come under disciplinary action or worse for social networking during work time or for inappropriate comments made online.