Whether it’s a personal blog or a social media account, your online presence can affect your job search. Here are some tips to keep in mind: limit the amount of information you post online, check your accounts, and keep your profile current.
Your online presence
While a resume is vital to the job search, you should not ignore your online presence. Employers and colleges look at social media accounts to determine if applicants are good fits. Having a negative online presence or none at all is a significant problem. In order to avoid this problem, you should carefully curate your online presence.
Limit the information you post online
While having a professional presence is good, avoid posting too much personal information. This includes photos, videos, and updates about your personal life.
When it comes to socials, less is more. You should avoid posting too much personal information online, as it can be used against you in the job market. Employers are looking for discreet people who will not share confidential information. Over-sharing on social media can give the impression that you cannot be trusted with sensitive information.
Checking your social media accounts
When you’re applying for jobs, it’s important to check your social media accounts for any red flags that might affect your chances of getting the job you want. In addition, employers are concerned about social media profile content, so you should audit your social media accounts and delete any inappropriate posts.
Hiring managers have a way of finding negative content about you online. In fact, more than 50% of employers admit to checking social networks before making a hiring decision.
Keeping your LinkedIn profile current
Keeping your LinkedIn profile current is essential when applying for a job, but failing to do so can hurt you in the job market. Recruiters are on the lookout for professional-looking profiles. Avoid posting inappropriate or controversial content, and keep your profiles clean and professional. Employers look for people who are passionate, dedicated, and committed to their field. If your profile doesn’t reflect those qualities, you’ll be perceived as unprofessional and unfocused.
Avoiding red flags
Using your social media presence to increase your job prospects is important, but you must be careful to avoid creating red flags. Employers often search social media profiles and may consider the information they see when making a hiring decision. Make sure your posts are not offensive or contain illegal content.
Be careful to differentiate between professional and personal accounts on social media. Using a similar screen name or profile picture for both is an example of oversharing that can come back and bite you. In addition to this, avoid using personal accounts that reflect outdated behaviors, young mistakes, or your opinions.
Ensure that your social media profile supports your resume. The hiring manager might think you’re unfocused or duplicitous if your profiles are outdated or incomplete. It’s important to make your profiles consistent, and updating them regularly can make them more likely to consider you for an interview.
Avoiding discriminatory or inflammatory comments
Inappropriate photos
When it comes to social media, photos are worth a thousand words. You should avoid posting inappropriate photos, such as those that are suggestive or show you using drugs. Even if you think the photo is harmless, it’s best to err on the side of caution. The last thing you want is for a potential employer to see a photo of you passed out at a party.
Your online presence is part of your overall image and should reflect your best qualities. By being aware of the potential risks and taking steps to avoid them, you can ensure that your social media presence won’t hurt your job prospects.