This means that even if you're not actively using social networking sites for job seeking, and even if you're trying to keep it personal, there's a good chance that employers will find your profiles. That's why it's important to be aware that your social media presence can impact your job search - in a good way or in a bad way.
Jon Gelberg, Chief Content Officer, Blue Fountain Media, share his tips for how to use your social media presence as an aid in getting a post-college job, as well as how to be sure you're online presence doesn't cost you a shot at employment.
Social Networking Tips for Grads
Post Relevant Content. You can use social media platforms as a way of demonstrating your intelligence, your creativity, your passions and your talents. If you have created great content in college, then post it on your social media platforms. If you have created a clever video, post that as well.
Content Presentation: Check out your grammar, your spelling, and the overall quality of your writing. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential employer.
Consistency: Make sure that the personal information you have on your social media sites is exactly the same as it appears on your resume. That can be a real red flag for employers.
Photos: That photo of you drunk on St. Patrick's Day may be amusing to your friends, but think of the impression it will make on potential employers. A dated Careerbuilder study found that 35% of hiring managers had eliminated candidates based on their online profiles. That number has certainly jumped to over 50%. Take all negative photos off of your site and, if there are embarrassing photos of you on friends' pages, ask them nicely to take them down.
Opinions: There are many online outlets for voicing your opinion. If you use those outlets to express outrageous views, sexist views, racist views or other views that would be negatively viewed in the work world, do your best to clean up your act.
LinkedIn Tips:
1. Make sure your profile lines up exactly with your resume.
2. Make a strong case for your strengths, interests and experiences.
3. Ask for recommendations - makes a huge impression on employers.
4. Make it search friendly - use the keywords you would think employers in your industry would be looking for.
