Can your social media activity impact your job search?

Do  you manage your online reputation? For those of you who don’t think this happens beware; there is an ever increasing number of employers out there who will do a quick Google search of their potential employees’ names to check out their online presence. Think about it for a minute, is there anything across your various social media profiles that you wouldn’t want a prospective employer to see?

Personal vs. professional

Of course, as recruiters we encourage new graduates to get themselves on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn because they are a great tool when it comes to your job search. That said, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are largely personal (though some people do use them in a professional capacity), and they are easily accessed if you haven’t appropriately locked down your profile’s security settings.

What could impact your job search?

While you might present yourself very differently in a live professional setting, an employer who sees, for example, photos of you constantly drinking or posts you’ve shared that show your values don’t align with theirs, might think twice about offering you a job.

Find out exactly what social media dos and don’ts could impact your job search in The Naked CEO’s video series for graduates:

Find out more on The Naked CEO website.

Think twice before posting

Could what you’re about to post potentially offend anyone? I’m not saying you need to use Facebook or Twitter as an extension of your LinkedIn profile, but if your mates are prone to tagging you in inappropriate conversations or photos, maybe it’s time to review your security settings. Inflammatory remarks can also raise alarm bells with employers – would you make the same comments if you worked for them?

Social media at work

It’s worth stating here that social media is increasingly creeping into roles that historically it wouldn’t have been a part of. With this in mind, while you are entitled to show your personality through your social media profiles, it could also impress an employer if you occasionally posted interesting articles or commentary related to your chosen field or industry. This is a far better option than starting online arguments or forcing strong political/religious opinions on others via social channels.

If you’re looking for other ways to boost your job search through social media in a positive way, consider starting a blog that shows your knowledge and interest in the industry you hope to get a job in. Not only does it showcase your expertise, it shows you dedicate time to something productive in your spare time. Find out more from The Muse on how you can use social media to land a great job.

Are your social media profiles job search now? Start working on your perfect graduate resume.