Skills for Work

You can find previous skills for work issue information in these issues:

THIS ISSUE

How social media affects your job prospects

How to nail your job application video

What’s the difference between a career, a job, and work?

Issue 9

10 questions to ask in an Informational Interview

How to get the most out of an informational interview

How to land your Christmas casual job

How to ask for a letter of recommendation

10 things every entrepreneur should know

Issue 8

Entrepreneurship, Skills for Work-7 skills every entrepreneur needs

10 free skills that will boost your career confidence

Issue 5

The benefits of networking

How social media can affect your work life

The power of portfolios

How social media affects your job prospects

Social media isn't just about sharing memes and staying connected with mates anymore. It's become a powerful career tool that can either open doors or slam them shut before you even know they existed.

Whether you're scrolling through TikTok or crafting the perfect LinkedIn post, every digital footprint you leave could be shaping your future job prospects. Think of your online presence as a 24/7 billboard advertising who you are – and employers are definitely taking notice. In this blog, we’ll take a quick look at how social media posts could have both positive and negative effects on your future careers.

The reality check: What employers are really doing

"Social media posts can reveal a more honest view of an applicant than what they might share during an interview."

Marlene Allen Murray, Business Litigation Attorney at Fennemore Craig

As far back as 2018, a CareerBuilder study of over 1,000 employers revealed some eye-opening statistics:

70% of employers said they use social networking sites to research job applicants during hiring process
28% say they use social media to gather more information before calling in a candidate for an interview
47% say that if they can't find you online, they’re less likely to call you for an interview
20% of prospective employers polled said they expect applicants to have an online presence
A whopping 54% of companies admitted to eliminating a candidate based on their social media fee

In 2023, Zippia research painted an even clearer picture:

57% of job seekers use social media to find job opportunities
73% of job seekers aged 18-34 found their latest job through social media
84% of organisations use social media for recruitment 67% of employers research potential candidates on social platforms
94% of recruiters use social media to find and vet candidates
71% of hiring managers believe social media profiles effectively screen applicants

As Jeff Williams from Paychex puts it:

"It's 2023, and what is posted on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter - and even Facebook for the nostalgic - is an accessible, non-invasive way of gaining insight on your candidate."

What exactly are they hunting for? Here's the breakdown:

58% said they’re looking for information that supports your qualifications for the job
50% are looking to check your professional persona
34% are checking to see what other people have posted about you
22% are looking to see if there are any reasons not to hire you.

And Queros found in 2024:

57% of job seekers surveyed used social media to look for jobs
73% of millennial job seekers (aged between 18 and 34) have found their latest job through social media
84% of organisations use social media for recruitment
67% of employers use social media sites to research potential job candidates and learn more about their professional and personal achievements
70% of managers have successfully hired through social media and built a more inclusive workforce.

Ultimately, what this means is that if you're still in high school and are thinking about future career goals, it's going to be worth your time creating an online presence, even if it's just a professional account that you only use as job prospecting tool. Otherwise you could find that you'll miss out on opportunities.

The pitfalls: When social media works against you

Your digital reputation could mean more than you think - here are the main ways social media could affect your career prospects.

Inappropriate content

Those party photos from last weekend or that rant about your boss might seem harmless in the moment, but they're creating a permanent record of poor judgement. Employers aren't looking for saints, but they do want evidence of maturity and professionalism.

Questionable conduct

This extends beyond your own posts - being tagged in situations involving illegal activities or poor decision-making can raise red flags about your character and judgement. Even if you weren't the one posting, association can be damaging.

Poor communication skills

These shine through in every typo-riddled post and aggressive comment thread. If you can't communicate respectfully online, why would an employer trust you with their customers or colleagues?

Values misalignment

This can happen when your online persona clashes with a company's culture. That edgy humour or controversial opinion might not mesh with their workplace values, no matter how qualified you are.

The harsh truth? Over a third of employers (42%) monitor current employees' social media, and 70% have disciplined or fired staff based on social media misuse in the workplace - meaning your digital behaviour doesn't stop mattering once you land the job either.

The opportunities: Making social media work for you

On the flip side, there are lots of way that social media, used appropriately, could help you to show yourself as a credible, proactive, forward thinking, and showcase your expertise or work experience, connect with other industry professionals, and ensure you stay updated on the latest trends and opportunities.

Showcase your professionalism

Platforms like LinkedIn can help you make a good first impression online. This isn't just about listing your achievements; it's about demonstrating your ability to communicate professionally, engage thoughtfully with industry content, and present yourself as someone worth investing in.

Engage with industry-specific content

This can help you position yourself as a keen and informed future professional. Following thought leaders, commenting meaningfully on posts, and sharing relevant articles shows you're genuinely interested in your chosen field, not just looking for any old job.

Build your personal brand

Consistently share content that aligns with your career goals: if you're passionate about environmental science, share articles about sustainability. If marketing excites you, engage with digital marketing discussions. Your online presence should tell a coherent story about who you are professionally.

Network strategically

Use social media as a way to connect with professionals, alumni, and industry leaders. Social media breaks down traditional barriers, allowing you to learn from people you'd never otherwise meet. But remember – quality connections beat quantity every time.

Discover opportunities

There are some opportunities online that might never appear on traditional job boards. Many companies share openings on their social channels first, and building relationships online can lead to insider knowledge about upcoming roles.

Your action plan: Taking control of your digital story

Feeling overwhelmed? Don't worry – transforming your online presence doesn't require a complete digital makeover overnight. Start with these practical steps.

Audit your current presence

Google yourself and review all your social media accounts through fresh eyes. If you wouldn't be comfortable with your headteacher or your Grandma seeing a post, potential employers probably won't be thrilled either.

Update your privacy settings

Remove anyone you don't recognise from your friends list and be more selective about who you accept in future. You should also limit who can tag you in posts so that you're not unknowingly or unwillingly associated with content that might not sit well with others.

Create separation

Consider using a nickname for personal accounts while using your real name for professional platforms. This isn't about being fake, it's about being strategic.

Think before you post

Ask yourself: "Would I be happy for this to represent me in five years' time?" If there's any doubt, don't hit publish.

Be proactive

Take some time to curate your professional presence. Share achievements, volunteer experiences, and insights about your interests. Show potential employers the ambitious, thoughtful person behind the application.

Work social media to your advantage

Social media isn't going anywhere, and neither are employers who use it to evaluate candidates. Rather than seeing this as a threat, view it as an opportunity to stand out from the crowd in all the right ways.

Remember, every post is a choice. Every comment is a decision. Every share is a statement about who you are and what you value. Make sure they're all working towards the future you want to create. By being professional, respectful, looking for relevant content, building a positive personal brand, and networking, you'll be able to harness to power of social media to your advantage.

How to nail your job application video

If you've been on the hunt for a job, you may have come across an employer asking you to submit a video as part of the application process. This can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and skills beyond what's on your resume. But if you've never made one before, it might seem a bit daunting. Don't worry – we've got you covered with some tips to help you create a standout job application video.

Why do employers ask for video applications?

Video applications give employers a chance to see more of your personality and communication skills. They can also be a way for you to demonstrate specific skills relevant to the job. For example, if you're applying for a role that requires public speaking or presenting, a video is a perfect way to show off those abilities.

7 tips for creating a great job application video

Want to know how to create a video that will help you stand out from the crowd? Here are our top tips.

Understand the requirements

Before you start filming, make sure you know exactly what the employer is looking for. Read the instructions carefully. How long should the video be? Are there specific questions you need to answer? What format should you use? Following these guidelines is your first chance to show that you can follow instructions – an important skill in any job.

Plan your content

Just like you wouldn't go into a job interview unprepared, don't start your video without a plan. Write a script or at least prepare some bullet points of what you want to say. Practice a few times so you feel comfortable with the content.

Choose the right setting

Find a quiet place with good lighting to film your video. A plain background is usually best – you want the focus to be on you, not what's behind you. Make sure there's nothing distracting or inappropriate in the frame.

Dress appropriately

Dress as you would for an in-person interview. This shows the employer that you're taking the application seriously and understand professional expectations.

Check your tech

Before you start recording your job application video, test your camera and microphone to ensure they're working properly. Poor audio or visual quality can be distracting and may negatively impact your application.

Be yourself

While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. Employers want to see the real you, not a robotic version reciting memorised lines.

Keep it concise

Respect the employer's time by sticking to the requested length. If no time limit is specified, aim for 1-2 minutes. Remember, you want to give enough information to interest them, but leave them wanting to know more.

What to include in your video

Your job application video should typically cover:

A brief introduction: State your name and the position you're applying for.
Your relevant skills and experiences: Highlight why you're a good fit for the role.
Your interest in the position: Explain why you want this particular job.
A call to action: Thank them for their time and express your interest in hearing back.

Review before you submit

Once you've recorded your video, watch it back. Check for any technical issues, and make sure you've covered all the key points. If possible, ask a trusted friend, family member, or teacher to watch it and give you feedback.

Final thoughts

Remember, the video is usually just one part of the job application process. Make sure you've also prepared a strong resume and cover letter (if required), and don't forget to follow up after submitting your application – it shows initiative and genuine interest in the position.

What’s the difference between a career, a job, and work?

We talk a lot about careers, jobs. and work - but what do these words actually mean? Are they really all just different words for the same thing, or are there subtle differences?

Well, they actually do all mean different things. And most importantly, knowing the differences can not only help you plan out your future, but also re-think what success in our working lives means.

What is a career?

"Career" is a word we use to describe the jobs and work we do throughout our lives. It comes from an old word for chariot, and can also be used to describe forward movement (as in, the car careered off the road).

In the past, the only people who had a career were the lucky people who could choose what they did, such as men who worked in management. Most careers moved forward in a pretty predictable way - as long as you turned up and did your job, you could expect to eventually be promoted.

Other people (like women, minorities, factory workers, and those with less money) were unlikely to have a "career" - instead they would have "jobs", which didn’t have clear paths for advancement.

Today, we know that straightforward careers are actually the exception rather than the norm. The main reason people could have them in the past is because they relied on others in their lives to do everything else (like raise kids, clean the house, cook meals, and plan holidays).

Essentially, your career is a combination of the jobs and work you do over your lifetime. And it's unlikely to look like a straight line – there will be times when you make great leaps forward, but there will also be times when you seem to stand still, or even go backwards. But this is all totally normal!

If you move into another field entirely then you may feel that you have ended one career and started another – we call this a "career change".

What’s a job?

A "job" is a much more static than a career: it’s a set of tasks that you perform on a regular basis in return for a set benefit (typically pay).

To move forward in your career, you may be promoted from one job to another or find a job somewhere else – the job itself is static, while you move around.

As an example, you may have a career in nursing, but your current job is a ward nurse in the respiratory unit of your local hospital. In the future, you could move into a job as a nursing unit manager, or a job as a research nurse. Your career will still be in nursing, but your job will change.

So, what’s work then?

We use the word "work" to refer to something that we need to do. This means it’s an activity that serves a purpose - it isn’t just something you want to do (but you can still enjoy it, of course).

Your job is a form of work - most of us do it because we need the money to fund the rest of our lives. If you weren’t paid, then you probably wouldn’t turn up.

But work isn't just something you do in return for money. In fact, there are lots of other things that count as work that won’t earn you a cent. This is typically called "unpaid work", and includes things like caring for family members, cleaning and maintaining your living space and clothes, managing your professional networks, and even growing your own food.

Just because something doesn't have a monetary value doesn't mean it's valueless - all of these things are important in different ways, and are often things we couldn't survive without. It’s simply easier to track and measure paid work, so that’s what most people (including the government) focus on.

Why is this important?

How you see your work, job, and career can have a big impact on how successful you feel.

For example, parents who have to take time out of their jobs to care for their children may feel less successful than their peers who can work full-time without distractions, but they only feel this way because they don’t count all their unpaid caring work as ‘work’.

We know that earning lots of money or climbing the corporate ladder doesn't necessarily lead to happiness, so re-framing what you consider to be "success" can help when thinking about your future career.

The world of work is always changing, and those shiny, linear careers we spoke about earlier have largely disappeared. So if you can reset your thinking before you've even started your journey, you’ll be more prepared for the ups and downs when they appear.