Excerpts from “Don’t
Let Social Media Shut You Out”
career-intelligence.com
How to use Social Media to attract potential employers
To a great extent, you
are who the Internet says you are. Today you can be sure that employers and
recruiters will be checking you out online – before and after you’re hired.
It’s up to you to make sure your virtual presence doesn't damage your career.
... According to a 2013 study by CareerBuilder,
more employers are finding reasons not to hire candidates because of their
social media presence. Some said they took candidates out of the running after
finding various concerning content online. The top two negative behaviors
mentioned by employers were 1) provocative/inappropriate photos and/or
information (50%) and 2) information about candidate drinking or using drugs
(48%). Remember that old adage about not saying anything bad –even if your boss
is a first-class jerk? Many employers said candidates were crossed off the list
for badmouthing a previous employer (33%).
… Everything you post
online helps them determine who you are as a person.
Besides avoiding blatantly negative behaviors like racy photos
there are things you can do to make yourself more appealing to potential
employers.
- · Be sure your presence is consistent across all media and true to who you are. Make sure your LinkedIn profile aligns with your resume. No, it shouldn't be exactly the same word for word, but the jobs, including titles, should be. Inconsistencies tend to make people suspicious.
- · Avoid being negative online. While a picture of you having a glass of wine on your birthday probably won’t turn off employers, constant ranting likely will. If your boss truly is the devil incarnate tell your best bud over drinks rather than making negative remarks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.
- · Share the positive things you do. Walking a 5K for charity? Post pictures of that. Mentoring younger staff? Tweet about that. Let employers know you’re the type of person they want to have as part of their team.
- · Research yourself to find out what potential employers will find. Keep tabs on yourself by setting up a free Google alert for your name. Use alerts to follow companies you’re interested in as well.
Today your online presence is your calling card, particularly
when it comes to your career. So use it wisely. Make sure recruiters and hiring
managers will be talking about you in a good way.
