Most young people are adept at using social media to connect with their friends, but did you know you can use it very effectively for career planning?

Although this will be most relevant to those of you who are looking for an apprenticeship but also those planning on entering the workforce, it’s prudent to start building your presence ahead of time for increased authenticity.

Overall, social media should be seen as an opportunity to:

• Network: Connect with professionals in your industry, join groups and discussions related to your career, and reach out to recruiters and hiring managers directly.

• Showcase your 'brand': Create a professional online presence by highlighting your skills, experiences, and achievements on platforms such as LinkedIn.

• Research companies and opportunities: Follow companies you're interested in working for, and stay up to date on their current news, projects, and job openings.

• Get referrals: Leverage your network to see if anyone has connections at companies you're interested in and ask for introductions or referrals.

• Learn about the job market and industry trends: Stay informed about the job market and industry news by following influencers, industry leaders, and publications.

If you are using several platforms, make sure they are all integrated with similar visuals and content.

It's important to keep your social media profiles updated and professional, and be mindful of the information you share online, as potential employers may review your profiles during the hiring process.

We have looked at all the main platforms and created a guide on how they can be utilised for maximum effect!

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform so it’s an obvious one to start with. Don’t worry if you haven’t had any formal employment yet, as you can add voluntary work, skills and virtual work experience.

• Start by creating a complete profile, including a headline, summary, work experience, education, and skills. A professional profile picture is especially important – don’t pick a holiday snap! Make sure you keep it up to date too.

• Start to build your network: Connect with colleagues, classmates, and other professionals in your industry. This will help you expand your professional network and stay informed about job opportunities and industry news.

• Engage with others: Participate in groups, like and comment on posts, and share your own content. This will help you establish your professional presence and show your expertise in your field.

• Apply for jobs: LinkedIn has a job search feature that allows you to search for job opportunities and apply directly through the platform. Make sure your profile is updated and customized for each job you apply for.

• Leverage endorsements and recommendations: Endorsements from your connections and recommendations from former colleagues can help you stand out to potential employers and highlight your skills and experience. If you leave endorsements you can then comfortably ask for them to be reciprocated.

Instagram can be a powerful tool for promoting your personal brand and advancing your career. It’s not just about creating content but creating a network.

• Create a public professional account, separate to your private account. Start by building a professional network: Connect with people in your industry and engage by commenting with their content to expand your reach and visibility.

• Showcase your work and interests: Share images, videos, and other visual content that highlights your skills, projects, and accomplishments. Be creative!

• Build your personal brand: Use Instagram to share your unique voice, perspective, and personality to stand out and make a strong impression on potential employers and clients if you are self-employed.

• Also network with potential employers: Follow companies and individuals you admire and interact with their content to make meaningful connections.

• Stay current in your field: Follow influencers and thought leaders in your industry to stay up to date on the latest trends and developments.

TikTok is a great way to showcase creativity and talent, especially if it’s very visual.

• Build a personal brand and establish oneself as an expert in a particular field with varied and engaging content. Check out other accounts for inspiration but the more unique you are, the more your content will be shared and the more followers you can expect to gain.

• Demonstrate skills, such as cooking, dancing, singing, or public speaking

• Connect with people in similar industries which can lead to new career connections and opportunities.

• Some companies use TikTok as a recruiting tool, so using the platform to share your skills and experience can increase visibility to potential employers.

Twitter allows you engage in a dialogue with other members of your sector or industry.

• Build a professional network by following thought leaders, industry experts, and potential employers in your field. Engage in conversations, share relevant content, and make connections.

• Highlight your expertise by sharing insights, thoughts, and opinions on industry topics. This can help establish you as a knowledgeable and credible voice in your field.

• Many companies use Twitter to post job openings, and recruiters may search the platform for potential candidates. Use Twitter to find job opportunities, connect with recruiters, and draw attention to your qualifications.

• Twitter can also be used to build your brand. Share information about your projects, accomplishments, and interests. This can help others in your network understand what you have to offer and can increase your visibility in your industry.

Whatever platform you use, remember to maintain a professional image and be mindful of the content you share. Think also about the amount of time you have to update your content and whether you should focus your efforts on the one or two platforms which have most resonance in your chosen sector.