Many of us have cleaned out our Facebook profiles or Googled our names before applying to a job. After all, 90% of hiring managers will check an applicant's social media accounts. But what about when you're applying to school? Do the same rules apply?
Our Twitter Advice Column, #MashAdvice, will help you navigate digital questions related to relationships, productivity, fitness and more. Answers will come from your fellow digital natives who most likely have first-hand experience with the very same issues.
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This week, our question comes from Jacqui:
How should I present myself on social media if I plan on applying to grad school? Do they even look at that like jobs will? #MashAdvice— Jacqui Layne Devaney (@jacquidevaney) September 19, 2013
On Tuesday, we discussed tips during our weekly Twitter chat, and others added their advice throughout the week. Here are some of the best responses.
There's definitely a few things *not* to do.
Remember your audience a bad tweet about something you did w/ friends on a Friday night can hurt your chances of getting in. #mashadvice— Adriana Herrera (@Adriana_Herrera) September 24, 2013
Grad school means more responsibility, assisting professors, sometimes fellowships. Requires professionalism online & off. #MashAdvice— Sarah Granger (@sarahgranger) September 24, 2013
But you can also use social media to your advantage in the application process.
.@mashlifestyle Being proactive, I'd recommend showing expertise in subject matter, sharing articles & papers, following profs. #mashadvice— Sarah Granger (@sarahgranger) September 24, 2013
If you’re applying to anything, make sure you’ve crafted a digital profile that reflects who you want to be seen as. #MashAdvice— Amy Webb (@webbmedia) September 24, 2013
Make a bio with @vizify -- it's a great visual & interactive way to show who you are #MashAdvice— Elisha Hartwig (@ElishaHartwig) September 24, 2013
Maybe posting the "right" things is less important than just being consistent with who you are in person.
Utilize visual platforms! Like @AnastasiaAshman said, you need to show what you do. What better way then through photos? #MashAdvice— Danielle Odiamar (@daniemarieodie) September 24, 2013
@mashlifestyle Twitter, LI, any service: what's findable should reflect you/path you're on, match up w/what you present in apps #mashadvice— Anastasia Ashman (@AnastasiaAshman) September 24, 2013
Of course, you don't want to appear to be a robot. Social media has an amazing ability to make you feel like you know someone just from a few tweets. Make it count.
@mashlifestyle i like seeing professional info first and a touch of personality in Twitter bios #MashAdvice— Danielle Odiamar (@daniemarieodie) September 24, 2013
@jacquidevaney Being friendly and creative has always worked well for me. Employers want to know you're real but not scary #mashadvice— Ryan Carson (@ryancarson) September 24, 2013
Grad schools want to see well-rounded applicants. No need to hide your personal life, but be sure to share your best self online #MashAdvice— Randi Zuckerberg (@randizuckerberg) September 25, 2013
Perhaps grad school admissions will be less demanding than a company that wants to hire you -- but why not get into the practice of creating an online persona you are proud of? It's never too early.
@mashlifestyle I think your social presence is more likely to be scrutinized applying to jobs, but they're equally important! #mashadvice— Michelle Blam (@cisboomblam) September 24, 2013
What question should we tackle next? Tweet us your advice question with #MashAdvice, and come to our Twitter chat next Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET.