You’ve been laid off. How can you use social media to get back on your feet?

1 Update your profiles

The first step is to update your social media profiles to reflect your current situation and goals. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete, accurate, and professional, highlighting your achievements, skills, and endorsements. You can also use LinkedIn to request recommendations from your former colleagues, managers, or clients. On other platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, you can adjust your privacy settings, delete any inappropriate posts, and share relevant content that demonstrates your expertise and interests.

2 Build your network

The next step is to build your network and connect with people who can help you in your job search. You can use social media to research companies, industries, and trends that interest you, and follow or join groups, pages, or hashtags related to them. You can also reach out to your existing contacts, such as former coworkers, classmates, or friends, and ask them for referrals, introductions, or advice. Additionally, you can expand your network by engaging with influencers, experts, or recruiters in your field, commenting on their posts, sharing their content, or sending them personalized messages.

3 Showcase your value

The third step is to showcase your value and stand out from the crowd. You can use social media to create and share content that showcases your skills, knowledge, and personality, such as blog posts, videos, podcasts, or infographics. You can also use social media to participate in online events, webinars, or courses that are relevant to your industry or profession, and share your insights, feedback, or questions. Furthermore, you can use social media to promote your personal brand, highlight your achievements, and showcase your portfolio or testimonials.

4 Apply for jobs

The fourth step is to apply for jobs that match your qualifications, preferences, and goals. You can use social media to find and apply for jobs that are posted on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter, or on niche sites that cater to your industry or profession. You can also use social media to research the companies and hiring managers that you are interested in, and tailor your resume and cover letter accordingly. Moreover, you can use social media to follow up with your applications, thank the recruiters or employers for their time, and express your interest and enthusiasm.

6 Be professional

The final step is to be professional and respectful on social media, and avoid any mistakes or pitfalls that could harm your reputation or chances of getting hired. You can use social media to monitor your online presence, and delete or hide any posts that are negative, controversial, or inappropriate. You can also use social media to communicate professionally and politely with your network, recruiters, or employers, and avoid spamming, ghosting, or oversharing. Lastly, you can use social media to respect the privacy and confidentiality of your former or current employers, and avoid badmouthing, complaining, or disclosing any sensitive information.

7 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?