How do you use online platforms to showcase your skills and network with potential employers?

1 Choose the right platforms

Not all online platforms are created equal when it comes to career development. You need to choose the ones that match your goals, industry, and audience. For example, LinkedIn is a popular and powerful platform for networking, building your personal brand, and finding job opportunities. You can create a comprehensive profile, join groups, follow influencers, share content, and connect with recruiters and employers. Other platforms, such as Behance, GitHub, Medium, or YouTube, can help you showcase your portfolio, projects, or publications in specific fields or niches. You can also use social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, to engage with your peers, industry leaders, or potential customers, but be careful to keep your personal and professional accounts separate and maintain a consistent and appropriate tone and image.

2 Optimize your profiles

Once you have chosen the platforms that suit your needs, you need to optimize your profiles to make them attractive and relevant to your target audience. This means using clear and professional photos, catchy and informative headlines, concise and compelling summaries, and keywords that highlight your skills, achievements, and interests. You also need to update your profiles regularly with your latest work, education, awards, or publications, and provide links to your other platforms or websites. Make sure to check your privacy settings and avoid posting anything that could damage your reputation or credibility.

3 Share valuable content

One of the best ways to showcase your skills and network with potential employers is to share valuable content that demonstrates your expertise, insights, or opinions on topics related to your field or industry. You can create your own content, such as blog posts, videos, podcasts, or infographics, or curate and comment on content from other sources, such as articles, reports, books, or podcasts. The key is to provide useful, relevant, and engaging information that adds value to your audience and showcases your personality and voice. You can also use hashtags, tags, or mentions to increase your visibility and reach, and invite feedback, questions, or discussions.

4 Build and maintain relationships

Online platforms are not just tools for broadcasting your skills and achievements; they are also platforms for building and maintaining relationships with people who can help you advance your career. You need to be proactive and strategic in finding and connecting with people who share your interests, goals, or aspirations, such as mentors, peers, influencers, or employers. You can do this by following, liking, commenting, or sharing their content, sending personalized messages or invitations, joining or creating groups or communities, or participating in events or webinars. You also need to be responsive and respectful in communicating with your contacts, and offer your support, advice, or referrals when appropriate. Remember to keep in touch with your network and nurture your relationships over time.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?