My next blog post was going to be on resumes but I have found a topic that I find needs to be urgently addressed. I really hate to say it, but I feel like social media is dooming the next generation in regards to carrying themselves with a high level of professionalism. You can call me uptight or old fashioned, but I think that all professional communications, ESPECIALLY to those you do not know, or know well need to be handled with a standard of care.
Here are my opinions on the matter. And keep in mind, while I feel like most of these can be utilized at all points in ones career, it's specifically for students and young professionals trying to break into the industry. If you've reached out to me ever and committed one of these sins, don't worry. I don't hold terrible judgments. And I'm not perfect either, if the dog picture is REALLY cute, I may break one of my rules. :)
Keep it Proper
Okay. Sounds simple. We all write emails, right?!?! Emails are not text messages. Complete sentences, proper grammar and everything you learned in English class K-12 should be utilized.
Keep it short
No novels. No one wants to read all that. A lot of professionals read emails throughout the day on their mobile devices. If it's long winded it may take longer for that person to get back with you.
Follow up!
If a professional your seeking advice from does not email you back say in 5 business days, send them another email. Most of the time, they sincerely forgot. It's totally cool.
Follow Through!
If you reach out seeking advice FOLLOW THROUGH! I don't know how many portfolio reviews people as for or contacts I make that I never hear from them again. First impressions are important.
LinkedIn
Introduce Yourself!
If you are going to reachout to people you don't know, introduce yourself in the message. Seriously, the generic LinkedIn message does not apply here. Whether your a student, professional or a vendor/rep it does not matter. If I don't know you I am not going to accept. Also, complete sentences and proper grammar are required.
Worthless Connections
If you are blindly reaching out to people on LinkedIn in for connections, don't get that confused with your real network. Your "network" should be a real and important. Just becuase you have a "connection" a Gensler, HOK, Maharam or wherever, if the connections are not real, they don't mean anything. Professionals take their recommendations very seriously. It's a true judgement of our character and values.
Engaged with Professional Organizations
Read the posts. Answer the comments. Have presence. You know the saying that 90% is just showing up? The same goes in the online community. Speak, post content and keep updating your profile. You never know who is reading what.
Wait to be Asked
Don't reach out to professionals via facebook unless they invite you to. I personally, like to keep some things a bit more private. While my Twitter is Linked to Facebook, my Facebook posts only go out to friends so I like to keep that boundary. Even though, I would never post something I would not want my colleagues not to see because I assume they can see anything. I just don't think they necessarily need to see fb posts about my "adorable weiner dog" or how I think "Modern family is soooo funny". :)
Keep Your Stuff Private
This can get tricky. But do know, future employees google search you. As soon as I get an email from someone I don't know I do a quick google search and check out some of their online content. It gives me a quick understanding of you, what your about and what you value.
Follow & Engage
If you really want to standout, use Twitter to follow your favorite professionals, brands, groups etc. in the design industry. Comment on their tweets, offer your own opinions. See it as an opportunity to learn and stay connected.
Keep it Professional
While tweeting can be casual environment, keep in mind what you post. For example, if I have a picture of my amazing dog I want to share, it happens via Facebook status and not on Twitter as I mentioned above. Consider having two twitter accounts if you want to do both. But there are times to break rules. I do it sometimes. I really really love my dog and Kentucky basketball. :)
Again, if you've committed any of the sins, you have time to recover! Don't let any of the information discourage you! It should empower you to get out there and get engaged!
Good luck!
~Amberlee
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