Using social media can dramatically improve your chances of getting an Apprenticeship. However, using it unwisely can have adverse effects on your search for the dream Apprenticeship position.
Below are some top tips which will help you harness the power of social media and use it to your advantage!
Keep it clean
It may surprise you but social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are often used by companies to research their applicants. Therefore, it’s probably time to freshen up your digital presence by removing inappropriate pictures, statuses or tweets as it is unlikely potential employers will find them as amusing as you do! You also need to be careful about what you ‘like’ and who you ‘follow’ on these social media platforms, as it all creates a picture of who you are and what you’re about.
Get your own back!
Just as companies and employers can use social media to research possible candidates, why not do the same and research possible employers? Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are great tools to research companies. These platforms will give you a good overview of the company including its background, what it would be like to work for, recent highlights and more! Some may be on Instagram too.
Create a LinkedIn account
LinkedIn is a brilliant resource for Apprenticeship hunters. The online networking site allows you to upload your CV and connect with people in your chosen field. Your profile on this site should be employer friendly, professional and reflect the type of job that you want. You can find out so much about a company from their profile and having a LinkedIn account will show employers that you are professional and keen to find an Apprenticeship.
Employers also often search for potential recruits on LinkedIn, so it’s important that your profile is up to date and to be aware that who you’re connected with also helps your profile appear in more searches.
Get rid of the inappropriate email!
Unfortunately, that perfect, snarky, witty, oh-so-cool nickname you have attached to your e-mail address can be a career killer. Studies find that CVs linked to job candidates with quirky and “unprofessional” e-mail names are rated lower by potential employers than those with professional names. Keep it simple and just use your name to create an email address to use for job searches and employment related correspondence.
For more information about how social media can help you get a job or to find out more about Apprenticeship opportunities available to you, contact the Apprenticeship Team on 01282 440 319 or email apprenticeships@nelsongroup.ac.uk
