Social Networking Used For Employment

What Get’s Noticed And What Stands Out

Social Networking can be a great tool in your job searching process or it can have the opposite effect. That is why it is so important that you manage your online image in a way that will present you as a person an employer wants to hire and that you will represent the organization in a positive light.

In this article, Part 2 of Employment And Social Networking, we will explore the difference between the information found on social networking that can either get a candidate hired or lost in a sea of employment shipwrecks. We will also discuss to Do's and Don'ts of social networking.

According to CareerBuilder, “Forty-nine percent of hiring managers who screen candidates via social networks said they’ve found information that caused them not to hire a candidate.

Top Content That Turned Off Employers

1.) Provocative or inappropriate photographs, videos or information – 46 percent

2.) Information about candidate drinking or using drugs – 43 percent

3.) Discriminatory comments related to race, religion, gender, etc. – 33 percent

4.) Candidate bad-mouthed previous company or fellow employee – 31 percent

Individuals are more likely to reveal their true opinions and/or behavior through social networks (tweets, blogs, pictures, video’s, posts or status updates) than during the application and interviewing process. Hiring managers need to understand that applicants are people, and people make mistakes. However, if the mistake continues to happen on these networks repeatedly, this by definition is a pattern and can be considered a red flag. Do we hire or not hire, that is the question?

What do recruiters and organizations want to see in on a social network or internet search:

Top Content That Impress Employers

1.) Candidate's background information supported job qualifications – 44 percent

2.) Candidate's site conveyed a professional image – 44 percent

3.) Candidate's personality came across as a good fit with company culture – 43 percent

4.) Candidate was well-rounded, showed a wide range of interests – 40 percent

5.) Candidate had great communication skills – 36 percent

Google searches are instantaneous. This includes; pictures, video’s, content and other information about a subject. Once it’s on the web, it’s out there forever. We as applicants need to recognize this and ensure that positive information filters to the top of a Google search or social networking search. Know your audience and know what information is filtering to the top of the search. Have you ever searched your name on social networks to see what information filters to the top? Is there more than one person with your name on Facebook? Remember, drive the content, don’t let the content drive you.

Applicant's Social Networking Do's And Don'ts

If you properly utilize social networking and harness the incredible advantage you can have as applicants, you can set yourself apart from the other candidates. The following do’s and don’ts are tips that relate to social networking during the job search and recruiting process:

The Do’s:

1.) Do understand your privacy settings and know what information is accessible to the public.

2.) Do be professional in your updates. Do not complain about your current organization, boss or professor. Don’t swear and be aware of participating in any controversial topics or debates. Social networks are known to be controversial.

3.) Do join, follow, or like organizations that interest you. Interact with their social networks.

4.) Do create a comprehensive and complete LinkedIn profile. This is the only social networking site that many hiring managers review for applicants and it will impact decisions that they make during the hiring process.

5.) Do network and build relationships on LinkedIn.

6.) Do follow thought leaders and subject matter experts in your field on social networking sites.

7.) Do retweet industry specific information, to establish yourself as a subject matter expert.

8.) Do remove any tagged information that you find inappropriate. When using your Facebook for example, you don't want it in your history or on your page.

9.) Do add a disclaimer in your Twitter bio that the views in your profile are your own, not your current employer’s.

10.) Do ensure your personal WordPress or blog site is easy to use, organized and privacy settings are reviewed.

11.) Do provide links in your resume for the organization. Again, if you’re proud of what you’ve accomplished, communicate it, show it off.

The Don’ts

1.) Don’t have questionable pictures and posts on any social networking site. Remove pictures that could raise concern or questions.

2.) Don’t make your LinkedIn picture an October Fest picture or a selfie in your vehicle. Professional pictures are the only option for LinkedIn and Twitter, if you are using it as an expert in your field. Professional pictures are a minimal cost but necessary for a LinkedIn profile.

3.) Don’t tweet, blog or post first and think later. Remember, less said (or written), is better defended. This is sound advice. We all make mistakes in the heat of the moment. Don’t make a mistake on a social networking site that can impact you for years to come, or let it become a pattern of behavior.

4.) Don’t create separate accounts for personal and professional use. Remember Google; a quick search will find any and all accounts.

5.) Don’t let your WordPress or blog site be unorganized or cluttered. Neatness always count.

6.) Don’t include links or information in a cover letter related to your social networks, especially if they are career relevant.

Again, drive the content, do not let the content drive you.