The last couple of decades has seen a major surge in the use of social media with new mediums, sites, and apps popping up all the time. If you are an avid user of these social media platforms, you should be mindful of the fact that 71% of recruiters and hiring managers use social media as a screening tool. Your potential employer will most likely conduct a thorough background search along with searching your name on Google and reviewing your social media activity.
Also, as an employee, you are expected to be mindful of your social media posts. There have been instances where employees have been fired for making questionable social media posts. In general, it’s a good idea to post cautiously and think about anything you like or share online.
While this certainly implies that keeping your social media accounts guarded can prevent unwanted complications, it is also very possible to use potential social media screening to your advantage. Let’s see how to transform your social media accounts into your spokespersons:
More than 90% of recruiters search for candidates on LinkedIn to fill company job openings. They scrutinize your LinkedIn profile in detail so you have an opportunity to present a lot more about your skills, accomplishments, and interests than just a resume. You should start with an attractive professional profile and a background picture with an eye-catching summary section to offer a strong first impression.
Next, highlight your most exceptional qualifications and work experience details.
Fill out your profile by seeking recommendations from people you have worked with. Upload any writing samples or additional links to an online portfolio or web page to give employers and recruiters an idea about your creative, technical, or other relevant capabilities that might otherwise go unnoticed. Always be certain to align your profile with your resume. Here is a detailed guide to using LinkedIn most effectively.
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
These social media platforms are more personal in nature than LinkedIn and so they can be set up to be private, but recruiters can still get access to them through existing contacts, friends, or followers. Balancing the need for privacy with due diligence an employer or recruiter may conduct is a must. A best practice is to always present yourself as a responsible individual so review your profile for anything that may appear unprofessional or embarrassing. Delete what you deem to be inappropriate. It is highly recommended to do this before starting a job search so that you increase the odds of making a great first impression.
Nearly 80 percent of employers Google prospective job seekers according to the 2010 study by Microsoft, “Online Reputation in a Connected World.” Google is probably the first place where your potential employer will start when they want to know more about you. Doesn’t it make sense then to see what Google has to say about you before an employer does? You may not be able to erase what’s on Google but at least you can respond to it proactively or better yet, counter it with recent positive content. At the same time, it is important that you show up on Google too. Here are a few tips to ensure to maximize your chances of appearing at the top of a Google search.
Social media accounts are not evidence of an individual’s professional and personal conduct; however, they are always taken into consideration to form an opinion about someone. While there are articles surfacing on the internet debating whether recruiters and hiring managers should or should not use social media screening as a precursor to offering employment, it is always advisable to employ a cautious approach in sharing your thoughts online.
