Snapchat for your career

For those who aren't already familiar, Snapchat is a smartphone app that allows users to quickly share 'snaps' containing photos and videos with friends and followers in their network. The USP is that, once opened, the snaps only stay on the recipient's feed for around 10 seconds before vanishing without a trace. However, creating Snapchat stories allows you to create and keep adding to something that will be available for 24 hours.

While many associate the app with a younger, social crowd, Snapchat's user base is actually quite diverse: of the 100 million estimated daily users, 39% are aged 25 to 44.

Here are just some of its potential workplace uses:

1. Applying for a job

Believe it or not, we have entered the age of the Snap-CV, where job-seekers are starting to send out video resumes to potential employers over the Platform. As well as standing out from the crowd, this is a clever way to alert recruiters to your technical/ social media skills. Although, most of the people who have done this have been applying to Snapchat.

2. Researching a company

For the less direct amongst us, following your favourite brands on Snapchat is a great way to get the inside track on the companies you'd like to work for. Employers often let their guard down a little when snapping, and may offer up interesting tidbits about what they're up to – potentially great material for your interview or covering letter.

3. Building your personal brand

Whether you're looking for a role or about to start work, having a visible social media presence helps to build your brand and Snapchat is a useful platform for getting your work out there. Bite-sized videos are perfect for bringing your work to the attention of your network, new colleagues and clients.

4. Team building

If carefully managed, Snapchat can be a great workplace messaging tool, allowing colleagues to share ideas and information in a fun way. Snaps are also a handy communication tool for managers – because they disappear after a few seconds they are a good way of grabbing people's attention and cutting through the rest of the noise.

5. Sharing info with clients

Some businesses are even using Snapchat to share mini tutorials, product demos, inspiring or funny quotes, offers and vouchers.

While Snapchat has a long way to go before it becomes a staple part of working life, as we've seen, it certainly has its uses. Whether looking to boost your job prospects or add something a little bit different to your new team's work dynamic, it might just be worth giving it a try.

Sources: Abintegro,The Muse; Boston College

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Pearson