33 AGCAREERS.COM FOOD & AGRICULTURE CAREER GUIDE The arrival of social media and online networking platforms has transformed how professionals present themselves to the world for some time now. There are many written and unwritten rules for building a professional presence. The most important one is to remember that a positive online presence can go beyond a well-crafted resume; it involves managing one’s reputation, engaging with relevant communities, and leveraging digital platforms for career growth. As individuals and businesses continue to rely on the internet for networking and information-sharing, the importance of curating a favorable digital image cannot be overstated. Review how you choose to be online and ensure that your use of these platforms appropriately presents yourself to the audience you want to attract. When building your professional accounts, ensure that you utilize a photo that represents an image you want your future employer to connect with. Profiles with professional photos receive more views and are best received on LinkedIn. You should also use this photo when representing your school or employer. Wearing your favorite t-shirt and beanie is an example of what not to wear. Most platforms provide space for a headline or a bio. Remember the audience you are speaking to when writing your headline or bio. LinkedIn headlines are often hugely different from personal Instagram bios. When discussing your professional career, even if it is just the beginning, use confident, professional language to ensure that your message is factual. When you create your AgCareers. com profile, there is a text box for your career objective. This is a spot to put a statement defining your career goals. A good statement is, “I seek challenging opportunities where I can fully use my skills for the organization’s success.” A weak statement reads, “to obtain a fulltime job.” You can include specific skills related to your education or experience, make them your own, and ensure they are truthful. If you want to make digital professional connections, choose the right social media platform. The platform you use to game and connect with your friends will look different from the one you use to apply for work or grow your professional network. Remember that what you post on these other platforms may differ from the image you want to convey professionally. Remember, it is likely accessible to the person making the hiring decisions, and the information found could be used as a critical factor in who they want to bring on as a team member. Believe me, companies are checking Instagram, YouTube, and public Discord chats. Engaging in online communities, forums, and groups fosters connections and demonstrates expertise. You can start by participating in chats on Discord with your classmates. Practice talking online with a confident tone that you imagine an employer or coworker would like to engage with. This means dropping the everyday slang when communicating online with other Gen Zs. Emojis are not usually part of conversations when talking with others on LinkedIn or other platforms. Don’t worry; you will find the right coworkers to send emojis to after you are hired. Maintaining a positive digital reputation is crucial for career advancement. There are many examples of ruined careers when someone says the wrong thing online. Being intentional about your posts shows that we are being deliberate about what you are posting. Generally, people share what is most important to them; you can too, of course, but on your professional posts, review the list below to ensure you post with the proper self-image in mind. The one thing you can control is what you share on social media. What you can’t control is how that information is interrupted by others. Being intentional and mindful about your posts shows by Paula West, Digital Experience Project Manager, AgCareers.com Photo by Tierney from Adobe Stock The importance of curating a favorable digital image cannot be overstated. “ >>>
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