Nowadays, social media is a huge part of not only our everyday lives but also our job search. Sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can be fundamental in helping job seekers build a huge online network whilst also giving you the opportunity to apply for roles directly via these sites. However, as vital a role as social media can play when looking for a job, it can also go against you in a variety of ways. Here are our dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
DOS
Do adjust your social media privacy settings. If you’re not sure how private (or public) your social media profiles are, it's always best to check prior to applying for a role.
Do be careful with what you post on your social media accounts. Even after adjusting your privacy settings, be mindful of what you share. Don’t share anything that could be detrimental to your job search, and if you’re unsure just ask yourself – ‘would I want my boss to see this?’.
Do make the most of LinkedIn. Made specifically for business purposes, LinkedIn is your best option for connecting with potential employers, allowing you to apply to jobs directly, reach out to Hiring Managers and build your professional network.
Do consider joining industry-related groups, forums and discussions. This shows that you have an invested interest in a career path in this industry, and will undoubtedly make you stand out from other candidates.
DON’TS
Don’t share anything inappropriate on your social media channels. This includes racist, lewd, or generally offensive comments or remarks which can cause negative consequences especially if you are seeking a new role or placed in a role.
Don’t post anything negative about your current or previous employer. If it’s your current employer, you could be fired for any negative remarks about the company. And even if your post is about a past employer, it still doesn’t look good if you bad-mouthing them online.
Don’t have an inappropriate profile picture. Remember this is the first thing your potential new employer or recruiter will see on your profile, even if they can’t see the rest of your page.
Don’t be afraid to google yourself. This is likely what recruiters will do, so it’ll be useful to see what they’ll see if they do. If anything appears that you wouldn’t want potential employers to see, get it deleted before they do.
Don’t forget these steps once you have the job. Even if your employer didn’t find anything controversial when you were looking for the job, that doesn’t mean they can’t find any new posts. Keep your guard up and keep it professional.