Careers ServiceSocial media

Social media can be a useful tool in your job search. Employers will use Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to engage with students. They may advertise or highlight jobs using these networks.

Getting started

Use Prospects job hunting and social media guide as a starting point for using social media in your job search.

LinkedIn

How does LinkedIn work?

If you have an account on LinkedIn, you can use the jobs tab to match your skills and preferences to potential roles. You can let recruiters know that you are open to an approach without this appearing in your current network.

Follow potential employers to get job opportunities in your newsfeed.

Use the LinkedIn Alumni tool to find out what previous graduates of your course are now doing.

You can find advice on creating a LinkedIn profile on our pages.

Get started with LinkedIn

Whether you are new to LinkedIn or you have a profile set up, use our Get Started with LinkedIn short programme. This will teach you how to make the most of your online presence, identify job opportunities, connect with recruiters, and build your professional brand.

Get started with LinkedIn (student link - DS login)
Get started with LinkedIn (graduate link - personal login)

Useful LinkedIn resources

Job-matching apps

Debut reverses the job search for students and graduates, letting the employer reach out to you directly. Complete your profile and if your skills and experience match, you may be talent-spotted.

Magnet.me is similar. After signing up and creating a profile you can see which jobs you are qualified for.

Strathclyde Alumni Community

Check out the Strathclyde Alumni Community Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages to keep your connection with Strathclyde alive once you graduate.

We’d love to learn more about where life has taken you after university. Share your #StrathclydeStory with our global alumni community. Get in touch: alumni-relations@strath.ac.uk

Managing your digital footprint

Many employers will check a candidate's online profile at some point during the recruitment process. Your digital presence will form part of a recruiter's overall impression of you.

  • keep your personal and professional social network profiles separate and make sure your privacy settings are appropriate
  • Google your name to see what a recruiter might see - watch out for photos or posts you may have been tagged in

Lawcareers.net have written an article on social media for aspiring lawyers. Much of the advice is applicable to all professions.

Advice on the use of Generative AI (including ChatGPT)

We asked ChatGPT for advice on using it for job applications. Below are the key points, which we agree are helpful:

  • Although ChatGPT can be a helpful tool for drafting content it is essential that you personalise what you write in order to showcase your skills, experience and personal attributes. Always tailor what you write to the organisation and role
  • ChatGPT doesn’t always generate accurate information. Always check facts, edit for accuracy and relevance and ensure the language and tone is appropriate for a job application
  • Be honest: if using ChatGPT might raise issues or concerns with an employer explain why you used it and how it helped you

This advice applies to all submissions you make as part of the application process including CVs, cover letters, application forms, essays, reports, psychometric assessments, and technical challenges. Submitting work written by someone else, including AI, is viewed as plagiarism by employers and as such would result in the rejection of your application.

The Careers Service has many tools to support you in writing unique content for your applications and in preparing for every stage of the application process. Please use them and seek advice if you are unsure so you are not caught out.