COVID-19 Advice for the JCU Community - Last updated: 5 May 2022, 3pm (AEST)

Careers and Employability Find a job Using Social Media

Using Social Media in your Job Search

Social media platforms are essential job search tools. Employers and recruitment agencies use social media to search for candidates and promote job opportunities.

  • Employers will look at your social media profiles to gain an insight into you
  • You can increase your professional network by using LinkedIn and Facebook effectively
  • You can join relevant industry groups and pages to help keep up-to-date with your profession

What do you find when you search for yourself on Google? Employers will do this, so take some time to create a positive digital identity.

  • Clean up your social media presence – what have you been posting/sharing online and what are you tagged in? What type of image does this give? If you wouldn't want your boss to see it, don't post it!
  • Delete anything which shows you in a negative light
  • Check your privacy settings
  • Keep everything professional and always be respectful

LinkedIn is becoming the most popular tool for connecting with professionals online and job searching. Recruiters will search for your LinkedIn profile so spend some time to get it right, as you would your resume.

Getting started on LinkedIn

  • Use the LinkedIn Profile Checklist and Building a Great Student Profile to help you set up your profile.
  • Signal to recruiters that you are looking for work by using the 'Open Candidates' feature which lets recruiters know that you are open to opportunities.
  • Receive feedback on your LinkedIn Profile by booking an appointment with a Careers and Employability team member.  Phone to book: 4781 4711 (Townsville), 4232 1150 (Cairns).
  • Check out LinkedIn Learning – all JCU students and staff have access to free online courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills.

Joining relevant LinkedIn groups

This is a great way to improve your industry related knowledge and grow your professional network. You can take part in discussions with professionals, build your personal brand and learn from your peers.

More resources

  • Follow JCU Careers and Employability on Facebook – we regularly share career relevant information, tips, jobs and ideas
  • Many larger organisations use Facebook to distribute information about their graduate opportunities – make a list of the organisations you would like to work with and Like them on Facebook
  • Join groups related to your profession
  • Interact professionally with recruiters, i.e. the Queensland Graduate Portal hosts live chats with graduates from previous years

Some pages to explore: