Tips & Information
You have a well written resume and are confident you can present yourself well at interview. Don’t let your social media profile trip you up!
Most recruiters and many hiring managers will look you up to see what additional information they can glean about you – often before you even get your foot in the door.
Make sure you know what they will find out about you online and ensure only the best version of yourself can be seen.
How do you look on the web?
Here are some tips on making sure that your social media presence will help not hinder your job search.
- Google yourself. See what everyone else can easily access.
- Set up a google alert for your name so you will be notified as soon as anyone mentions you in a post.
- Use all social media platforms appropriately. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are typically used for your personal life whereas LinkedIn shows who you are professionally.
- Manage your privacy settings. Most social media platforms allow you to control who has access to your information. On Facebook make sure only people you have accepted as friends can see your profile in detail.
- We all have moments when we may write something on Facebook or Twitter that we later regret. Delete any posts you find that may be questionable or cause offense. The same goes for un-tagging yourself in dubious photos!
- Refrain from getting into arguments on-line. Even if it’s a topic about which you are passionate.
- Never write anything anywhere which is negative about your employer or manager.
- Make sure profile pictures are appropriate and will show you in your best light whilst job searching. With the appropriate privacy settings often your profile picture is all that will come up in a search.
- LinkedIn is a great tool used to showcase who you are professionally and to attract recruiters who will connect with you. Use it to highlight your strengths, capabilities and skills and to build your industry network. Make sure you've filled out all parts of your profile and load a professional photo. Join groups related to your industry and share information with your network.
