With all of the scandal around Essena O’Neill, the Instagram star who recently gave up her perfect-seeming persona to expose her true self to her half-million followers, it’s important to note how important Instagram is to your professional portfolio. I can guarantee that when you interview for a possible internship or job, your employer is going to Google you to learn about you before they even meet you in person or via Skype. You shouldn’t want to hide. You should want to be found, especially on your Instagram profile. That way they can have an in-depth look at who you are as a real person outside a professional setting. My Instagram account name is even located on the business card that I give to possible future employers!
I consider Instagram as a resume come to life. I want future employers to see the real me that they won’t see while we’re sitting at a formal interview all dressed up and serious. I want them to see the things that are important to me and my values. Here are the things that you should have as a part of your own Instagram so that you can get bonus points during interviews and still be respected by employers.
Summary: The summary at the top of your Instagram profile can be one of the most important parts of showing who you are. You only have a tiny bit of space to express yourself. I suggest putting a quote that is important to you or summing up who you are with your year in school and the student organizations or clubs you’re involved in. Under my summary I include all of the rep positions I hold for different companies.
Traveling: Traveling can earn you big bonus points with employers. Chances are if you are interviewing in a big city, the person interviewing you has traveled much themselves and this could give you great talking points during the interview. Otherwise it shows that you are knowledgeable about different cultures and are open to adventures, which is a great job skill to have.
Family: It is also important to post fun photos when you are with your family in your profile. Include fun photos with your pets in there. Your possible future boss could be someone who has a huge family and puts a ton of value in an employee who has the same family values.
Social Life: Believe it or not, it is a good idea to include your social life in your account! Wine glasses are acceptable, but make sure you’re 21 before you post them. I would omit the red solo cups though. Social life photos are great because they show that you are a people person, you love staying busy with all types of people and doing different cool things. This translates to the fact that you would be great in group settings and would work well with others in a job setting.
Volunteer Work: Cute volunteer photos are great to show, too! For example, I recently volunteered at a church pumpkin patch with my sorority sisters and we took a photo together that I posted on my Instagram. Your future boss will see these photos and see that you care about people other than just yourself, which will show that you will care about other employees, customers, work and the company.
Holidays: Holidays can encompass all of the types of photos listed above. Whether you are traveling, enjoying family time, at a party or doing volunteer work, there is something to be posted. Holiday photos aren’t cliché — they are cute and show you have a heart.
Stop worrying about Instagram scandals and keep doing you. Print some business cards, put your Instagram account name on them and get excited about your future, ladies! Just make sure that what you’re posting is appropriate, and you’re good to go.
Photo Credits: www.traackr.com