It’s become pretty obvious that over the last few years we all have gotten hooked on social media, whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Google +, or even LinkedIn.
Today social media sites are no longer just for individuals, but companies are jumping on the bandwagon and using them as branding tools, and as a recruiting source for new talent. Research has shown that 89% of hiring managers in 2013 now use social media for recruiting. While the primary site for recruiting candidates is LinkedIn, recruiters are also active on Twitter, Facebook, and other industry specific social networking sites.
So what does this mean for you, the job seeker?
- 75% of hiring managers look up candidates on social networking sites before making hiring decisions.
- Of those, 43% have found information that led to not hiring a specific candidate.
- But, 29% of hiring managers found positive information online that led to making an offer to a candidate.
As a job seeker, it is up to you to make sure you present yourself in a positive and professional manner online:
Do’s
- Make your Facebook and Twitter pages private, so that posts and photos can only be viewed by friends.
- Have an active LinkedIn account that includes your skills, accomplishments, and positions.
- Become an active participant in relevant industry groups on LinkedIn.
- Always make sure your profiles are free of typos!
Don’ts
- Post inappropriate content online: If you wouldn’t send the image or message to your parents or grandparents, keep it offline!
- Be negative all the time.
- Badmouth current or past employers.
Remember, social media can be an extremely useful tool in your job search. But, it’s all about building a strong social network that accurately represents your skills and expertise, not just focusing on hiding or deleting any inappropriate content.
For more information on using social media to help your job search, contact one of our staffing managers today!