Today, employers are reviewing your online presence. Google yourself. If old posts or out-of-date information comes up, see if you can take it down or update it. If you can’t remove outdated info about yourself, create new content (Twitter account, LinkedIn profile, articles, etc.) to try to “bury” the old information, and keep in mind the following specifics for Facebook and Twitter:
• Clean up your “digital dirt.” Tech-savvy employers are going to start by Googling you and looking you up on Facebook. Remove questionable material from your profile.
• In a job search, lock down your social media profile privacy settings. Also remove any unprofessional photos you have on your Facebook account.
• When job searching, make sure you change your Facebook timeline cover photo to something presentable, since it’s visible to everyone.
• You can use Facebook for professional and business networking, not just for social purposes. But be aware of the type and volume of personal information you’re sharing.
• Tag your friends in status updates to thank them for help with your job search — that way, their friends and contacts will also see the message.
• Be sure to have your photo or a professional avatar for your Twitter profile. The default blue “Twitter egg” is not compelling.
• Many companies are looking at candidates on Twitter these days. Make sure your content includes keywords or phrases your target employer may be searching for.
• Make it easy for your potential employer to find out more about you when they come across your Twitter profile by including a link to your LinkedIn profile.
• Check out www.TwitJobSearch.com, a job search engine for Twitter.
Social media is a very important element in job search today. It is a leading resource for recruiters and hiring managers. If social media networks are still a challenge for you when it comes to job search and professional online profiles, give us a call. We can help!
Photo Kitch says
This is great advice – there’s no doubt that employers are using the internet to conduct some research into potential employees.
More disturbingly I’ve heard that some companies have tried to demand that people allow access to their Facebook accounts as part of the interview process.
Understandably, this has created some controversy
Typical Interview Questions says
Bikini-clad pictures are for job seekers looking for a modelling post. Remember to set some albums in private (even for just the meantime) during the job search process as employers judge applicants based on their social profiles.
Aside from pictures, it’s wise to not include derogatory remarks about your previous employer as your Facebook status.
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