Do you have a social media presence? What does it look like? Universities and employers alike are using social media to “check out” their candidates. Everything from your email address and voice message to your pictures and comments on the Internet are available for public scrutiny and feed into your public image or “social entity.” Some even check your credit rating.
Just as different people have different perspectives on issues, different generations view and address issues differently. The one thing we all have in common is we don’t like to wait or have our time wasted. Does your voicemail ask that we wait while the party is located? Change it. Do you make flippant remarks or have blaring music? Change it. What works with your friends won’t work with college admissions, college coaches or potential employers. So set yourself up for success and make sure your contact media is appropriate for your targeted audience.
Now ask yourself the question again and consider who may be on the other side of the computer monitor checking you out. What does your “social entity” look like? What do you need to do to make yourself more marketable? Are there photos, trends, or comments that could jeopardize your opportunities? Clean it up.
Protect your image to others and manage your social media so that you put you in the best possible position to take advantage of opportunities. If you’ve had a social media experience that netted a positive result or a learning experience, post your comment above so others can benefit.