Using Social Media to Build Your Professional Profile: How Onome Landed Her Dream Job with the Power of Digital Branding

Let me tell you the inspiring story of Onome and how she turned social media into the ultimate tool for building her professional profile.

After completing her youth service, Onome was ready to step into the world of banking, armed with a degree in banking and finance. Prime Finance Bank, one of the leading financial institutions in Nigeria, had announced its search for fresh graduates to join its internship program. It was a golden opportunity, but Onome knew she had to stand out. Instead of relying solely on her academic qualifications and traditional resume, she turned to social media to strengthen her professional profile.

Understanding the value of a well-crafted digital presence, Onome took the time to ensure that her online profile reflected not just her academic background but also her skills, interests, and passion for her field. By strategically positioning herself on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram, Onome was able to showcase her capabilities in a way that traditional resumes could not. She achieved this by taking account of the following steps

1. Creating a Strong, Authentic Online Identity

The first step Onome took was to ensure her online identity was authentic and consistent across platforms. Research from CareerBuilder shows that 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates before making hiring decisions, and Onome was aware of this fact. She made sure her LinkedIn profile was polished, with a professional headshot and an engaging summary that reflected her aspirations in banking and finance. Studies also reveal that LinkedIn profiles with a clear photo receive 14 times more profile views than those without one. Her LinkedIn headline succinctly captured her ambitions, while her bio told the story of who she was and where she wanted to go.

But Onome didn’t stop there. She understood that platforms like Instagram and Twitter, though less formal, also allowed her to demonstrate her personality and interests. She shared insights on banking trends, engaged with industry conversations, and posted content that not only showcased her skills but made her approachable and human. Onome didn’t craft a "perfect" online persona; she embraced authenticity, ensuring that anyone who viewed her profiles could see the true Onome behind the job title.

2. Becoming a Thought Leader Through Valuable Content

To truly stand out, Onome realized she had to do more than just have an online presence — she had to contribute valuable content. According to LinkedIn's 2020 report, 94% of B2B marketers use LinkedIn to distribute content, and 80% of them say it generates leads. Onome took this insight to heart. She regularly posted articles about the banking industry, touching on topics like financial inclusion, digital banking trends, and strategies for personal finance. Each post demonstrated her growing expertise and kept her network informed.

Onome wasn’t afraid to engage with others' posts or comment on trending topics. On Twitter, for example, she joined conversations about fintech innovation and shared articles she found interesting. This enabled her to position herself as someone who not only kept up with industry developments but was willing to share her knowledge with others.

As a result, Onome gained attention from industry leaders and peers alike. Her posts were thoughtful, reflective of her expertise, and aligned with the discussions happening in her field. She even received messages from other finance professionals asking for her opinion on key industry changes — a sign that she was being recognized as a voice in her field.

3. Building Meaningful Connections with Industry Leaders

One of the most powerful tools Onome used to grow her professional profile was the ability to connect directly with industry leaders. A Weber Shandwick study found that 75% of executives believe social media plays a critical role in establishing and nurturing professional relationships, and Onome leveraged this to the fullest.

She followed and interacted with top figures in the banking and finance sector, making her presence known without being intrusive. She commented on posts from professionals she admired and offered her thoughts on relevant industry trends. By doing so, Onome started to develop relationships with key players in the field, some of whom took the time to engage with her directly.

Her proactive approach also included personalized messages. For instance, when she read an insightful post from a finance leader, Onome would reach out via LinkedIn’s direct message feature, thanking the individual for their insights and sharing her perspective. These small yet impactful interactions were the beginning of Onome’s professional network, which would eventually play a significant role in her career development.

4. Showcasing Achievements and Career Milestones

Onome understood that to truly build her profile, she needed to share her milestones and achievements. Whether it was completing a professional certification, winning an academic award, or contributing to a team project, Onome made it a point to celebrate these achievements on her social media platforms. As Glassdoor points out, employees who actively promote their accomplishments are more likely to receive promotions and pay raises. By sharing her professional progress, Onome communicated not only her competence but also her commitment to continuous growth.

Whenever she completed a course or received a certificate, Onome posted about it on LinkedIn, explaining the value it added to her career. She also celebrated team achievements and highlighted others’ contributions, showing that she valued collaboration. This type of content made Onome’s profile stand out in the crowded world of job applicants and helped reinforce her credibility.

5. Staying Current and Engaged with Industry Trends

The final piece of the puzzle for Onome was staying engaged with industry trends and remaining visible in real-time conversations. Social media gives users direct access to the latest news, discussions, and emerging topics. Onome made sure to follow hashtags related to banking, finance, and technology to stay up-to-date with the latest industry shifts. She shared her thoughts on fintech innovations, digital banking solutions, and regulatory updates that were shaping the future of her field.

By attending virtual events, webinars, and live sessions on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, Onome showcased her commitment to learning and staying ahead in the competitive banking world. Her participation in these events demonstrated that she was not only informed but actively engaged with the changes happening in the industry.

Final Thoughts

Onome’s story exemplifies how social media can be a powerful tool for building a professional profile. By authentically presenting her identity, sharing valuable content, engaging with industry leaders, celebrating achievements, and staying current with trends, Onome transformed her digital presence into a personal brand that set her apart from the competition. This strategy ultimately helped her land the internship of her dreams at Prime Finance Bank and, soon after, a full-time position in the organization.

Her journey serves as a reminder that in the digital age, your professional profile is far from just a resume; it’s a living, breathing story that can unfold on social media. By using these platforms with intention and strategy, you too can create a presence that resonates with industry leaders, attracts new opportunities, and accelerates your career growth. Social media isn’t just for socializing—it’s a powerful professional tool that can open doors you never thought possible.