Should I Delete My Instagram For A Job Interview?
Start writing a post
Lifestyles

I Am Tired Of Living Life Behind A Screen But Being 'Social Media Savvy' Is More Employable Than You Think

"Please include your Instagram handle in your resume to complete this application" is a real requirement.

66
I Am Tired Of Living Life Behind A Screen But Being 'Social Media Savvy' Is More Employable Than You Think
Unsplash

My father recently told me a story about a woman he met who started her own business not too long ago but has been so busy that she is already looking to expand her staff to keep up with the demand.

He works in a relativity small town so I imagined the business would be something along the lines of a bakery or personal accounting consultant. But he informed that she started a local social media business where she helps small businesses launch their social media pages to create a following and increase business.

And as simple of a concept it is, it's almost a necessity for any business to withhold some type of social media presence in order to not only gain clients but remain relevant. Isn't that kind of... crazy?

Social media isn't simply a place where you post your political opinions and bathroom selfies, it's a skill required in order to keep up with the current business, marketing, and public relations game.

If you do a quick Google search about social media and psychology, it won't take you more than two seconds to find an article with a new research study about the negative effects social media has on our society.

I personally can't stand being on Instagram for too long.

It's so easy to fall deep into a hole of insecurity and lose a sense of yourself when you're being indulged in a virtual world. I have had many friends personally ditch the social media game altogether because they felt it was negatively affecting their mental health, but I can't quite pull the trigger.

Is it because I have this need to stay connected with my friends through their social feeds? Is it because I want to blast my personal thoughts and opinions for people to see?

It's because a more than general understanding of social media is more than employable in a hungry and competitive job market and I don't know if I can afford to lose that skill.

I have recently been looking into post-graduation college jobs after finding out I will be graduating earlier than I originally planned and for many "recent graduate" or "entry level" jobs -- they're looking for more than a degree. Along with your professor approved resume and four years of education, many jobs are seeking people who are well equipped in the digital age. And for good reason. You can't turn a blind eye to the effectiveness of social media advertisements, audience engagement, and branding.

In my college jobs, I have been offered numerous "social media trainings" for marketing or branding purposes and I was never interested. I didn't see the appeal of a social media career but I usually buckled up and went anyways. I am fortunate enough to have had the training about audience engagements, beating algorithms and all the other juicy stuff.

Is it interesting? Sure. Am I glad I learned it? Of course. Does it work? Absolutely. Is that a good thing? For the business side of things, yes.

Yet, what about the people who are looking at this from a personal level compared to a professional?

There are some people who really love social media and I am not discrediting the aspects of social media that are positive. The harsh truth is that social media as a whole is a dangerous mental game that we put so much identify into that we can forget who we are without it. We label each other based on social media profiles, picture filter themes and the type of material they decide to put out there.

And you can't simply take it all away and shrug your shoulders anymore.

Because telling me to get off social media completely and resort back to a less connected age for the sake of mental health, is now setting me back to career opportunities I would like to have a shot at.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58499
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37693
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959278
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193975
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments