Managing Your
Social Media Profile
Introduction
Social media is a key means of communication today, so it is important for
students to consider the management of their profile.
According to research by Harris Interactive, which was commissioned by
CareerBuilder.com and surveyed 2667 human resource professionals, they
found that 45% of human resource professionals (non-legal) use social
networking sites to research job candidates.
This doesn’t mean that law firms in mass are checking social media sites, but
given that you are portraying an image to the public through this media, it is
important to consider how you are managing your presence online.
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Key Considerations

Determine your goals with setting up a profile. This means you would
not necessarily accept every invite to be connected. Be selective about
your connections.

Keep personal profiles and professional profiles separate.

Personal profiles should have private security settings that are set on
high.

For a professional profile, consider joining LinkedIn.

Once you have a professional profile online, it is important to maintain
and update it.

Be careful not to publish unprofessional photos online. Keep a
professional appearance and image. Remember, this is your reputation.

Know what others are placing on the web about you. For example,
ensure you watch for photos where others have tagged you so that they
are not unprofessional.

Note that once the photos have been placed on the web once for the
public, you may have no control on where these photos have been
distributed.

Note that when you post online, no matter the context, the public can
read it and you do not have control over where it is forwarded or
distributed.

Don’t abuse your network.

Make sure those with whom you are linked are also professional.
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Managing Your Social Media Profile

When expressing critical thought on “hot topics,” your comments should
be thoughtful and respectful.

Poor communication skills may be portrayed online if you don’t take the
time to communicate properly.

Negative comments about other people may not be viewed positively
(as would be the same case for an interview).

Consider making yourself “inactive” on your social media sites during
the recruitment period.

Consider when you use media and use it according to its purpose:
during daytime hours of work or academics, only post work-related and
professional updates. Be mindful of this use as employers want
employees who are focused on their job.

Consider using an RSS feeder, which keeps you informed by retrieving
anything posted about yourself or your organization. This helps you stay
informed by retrieving the latest content from the sites you are
interested in.

Keep in mind that face-to-face contact in this profession remains critical;
networking non-digitally is crucial.

Unplug or log off regularly so that others do not have access to your
accounts.
The CLCDN would like to thank the Law Career and Professional Development
Office at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law for the information contained in
this guide.
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