While most people assume a very formal job search language for resumes and cover letters, writing on social media can be much more casual, more authentic and more narrative.
Consider this major shift in language when using social media: the very best LinkedIn profiles are written in the first-person. I’ve heard many stories of people shifting this one element and getting fabulous results online.
As a terrible speller myself, it always irks me to hear how picky many employers are with typos and spelling errors. What a shallow judge of character. [Editor’s note: Or a good judge of careless work habits, speaking as a poor speller myself.] But the reality is that on your more formal job search documents, resume, email inquiry, cover letter or job application, spelling and grammatical mistakes can ruin your chances.
Luckily, you don’t have to be so uptight when writing for social media. Especially when you’re sending out posts. Plus, social media combined with the widespread use of texting has created language additions and modifications like BTW, LOL, OMG and many more.
Most people understand that there is a fine balance between the timeliness of a social media post (getting it out fast) and the quality of the post (how it is written). The more you post, the better your digital literacy; you will be able to post faster with more quality posts—but only with practice.
Getting Started in Social Media
At first, you may feel the urge to hold onto your words like a mother reluctant to let their firstborn drive off to college for the first time. It’s natural.
Here are some tips to help you with your first posts:
- The shorter the lifespan of your post, the less you have to worry about proper writing. Tweets, Facebook timeline posts and LinkedIn updates don’t even need to be in complete sentences. If you let a typo through, it’s okay.
- Longer lifespan content should be more polished. For example, your Facebook “About You” section, Twitter bio and LinkedIn profile should be free of typos and spelling mistakes. (Grammar can be of the truncated sort.)
- If you can say it in fewer words, do so. Brevity is the key when communicating online.
- If you can say it with a picture, do so. Yoda says, “A picture is worth 1,000 words.”
- Don’t $ell, YELL or be a troll. Imagine one person in front of you; you are simply starting a conversation with them. Write down what you might say to that person.
As you gain experience, it will be easier, but it pays to be careful even when you have years of experience. Don’t be thoughtless about what you post publicly (or even privately in some networks).
Bottom Line
What you make visible on social media will be viewed as representative of your personality and your potential as an employee. Picture the hiring manager as your ideal employer reading everything you publish.
Joshua Waldman is an authority on leveraging social media to find employment. He is the author of Job Searching With Social Media For Dummies and his writing has appeared in Forbes, Mashable and the International Business Times. Joshua’s career blog, CareerEnlightenment, helps thousands of readers each month get ahead using his job advice. Joshua is also a speaker and trainer who specializes in helping job seekers gain control of their careers in today’s competitive economic and technological climate. He presents keynotes, trainings and breakout sessions around the country for students, career advisors, consortiums and professional organizations. For more information about his speaking, visit Career Enlightenment.
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