It is crazy to think that just one year ago I was preparing to graduate from college and embark on the scariest journey there is: adulthood.
Since I graduated, I have learned that your online presence is something that has tremendous impact on how potential employers and recruiters perceive you. It can either work in your favor when you are on the job hunt or potentially hurt you.
According to a 2015 Jobvite survey, 92 percent of recruiters use social media as a factor during the recruiting process. So even if you are the perfect candidate for the job on your resume, one misspelling in a Tweet or one inappropriate tagged Facebook photo can make the difference between an employer selecting you or the next candidate.
Below are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to your social media presence and recruitment:
DO:
- Do have a high-quality headshot on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network and your headshot is the first impression employers will have of you. Make sure to wear business attire and look polished. Some professional organizations hold headshot events where they will provide professional headshots at a discounted price. This is a great way to snap the perfect picture and network at the same
time!
- Do engage in online conversation. Know what’s currently trending and appropriately join in the conversation. Whether you are tweeting with a trending hashtag or posting a news article on Facebook, showing you are up-to-date on current events or what’s on trend in your chosen field is seen as a positive among most recruiters.
- Do double check your grammar and spelling before posting anything on social media. Even though the majority of us use our mobile devices to manage our social networks, make sure you proofread your tweet or comment before sharing. According to Jobvite, 72 percent of recruiters viewed grammar and spelling errors negatively. And really who wouldn’t?
- Do make sure the information on all of your profiles is consistent. According to an April Entrepreneur article, inconsistencies in your social media profiles are the number one reason to be rejected from a job. Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are exactly the same.
DON’T:
- Don’t forget to keep your LinkedIn profile updated. A 2015 Society of Human Resource Management study found that 57 percent of companies hired using LinkedIn. Try to keep it as up-to-date as possible. Include your work experience and a summary. Also, try and “vamp” up your profile and upload your resume and work samples, list organizations you are involved in and ask professionals to write recommendations for you.
- Don’t share posts involving alcohol, drug consumption or profanity. This may seem like a no brainer, but you would be surprised what some people will post. According to the Jobvite survey, more than half of recruiters viewed alcohol and drug consumption negatively. So you may want to make sure the camera stays away on the nights you feel like “letting loose.”
- Don’t post something you would not want your grandmother to see. This is just a personal rule of mine, but if you are having seconds thoughts about typing that angry status update or posting that picture from your Las Vegas trip, step back and ask yourself, “Do I want grandma seeing this?” If the answer is yes, feel free to post, but if you are even somewhat hesitate, it may be best to hit the delete button.
- Don’t ask a professional if there are any job openings on social channels. Instead of asking point blank for a job, try connecting with them on LinkedIn and message them to ask if they have time for an informational interview. This could lead to other networking opportunities and they may even keep you in mind when a position becomes available.
So go ahead, start posting, or in some cases deleting, posts on your social media profiles. Social media can help you make a good impression on those recruiters!
This blog was contributed by Clearpoint Agency Social Media and Digital Media Coordinator, Nikki Sachman.