Looking for your first proper job or trying to switch things up? Your CV is important, but these days employers check way more than just that. They look at your LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram; basically anything they can find with your name. Here’s how to make sure everything works together and shows you as someone they’d actually want to hire.

Make your LinkedIn and CV tell the same story. Your LinkedIn profile and CV need to match. If your CV says you’re going for admin or marketing, your LinkedIn better not say you’re a truck driver or IT specialist. The dates, job titles, and main skills should line up. Also make sure that your address in LinkedIn is the address on your CV. Recruiters spot these mismatches fast and it makes you look sloppy.

Pick the right photo everywhere. Use the same clear, friendly, professional-looking photo on your LinkedIn, CV, and any ID documents you send. It should actually look like you right now. No old pictures from years ago where you look completely different. A good headshot with decent lighting and a smile goes a long way; profiles with photos get seen way more often.

Clean up your social media. Before you hit “apply,” go through your Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, everything. Delete or hide posts with heavy partying, drunk pics, innapropriate speech, or anything that could look unprofessional. Employers check this stuff. Even if you don’t get called for an interview, you’ll never know it was because of that one wild weekend post from two years ago.

Show you’re a real, balanced person. Having zero social media can actually look suspicious, like you’re hiding something. It’s fine to have accounts, just make sure they show the human side of you. Share normal stuff like family moments, a hobby you enjoy, or a fun outing. Golf, reading, hiking, whatever. The key is balance, don’t come across as obsessed with anything extreme. You want to look like someone who’s reliable, positive, and easy to work with.

Quick extra tips to boost your chances:

• Fill out your LinkedIn properly: headline, about section, skills, all of it.
• Use a professional email address for applications, not something like partyking92@gmail.com.
• Tailor your CV slightly for each job you apply for.

Your online presence is basically your first interview. Make it easy for employers to like what they see. Get this stuff sorted now and you’ll stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons. Good luck, you’ve got this!