Social Media & Your Job Search - What NOT to Do

Social media & your job search

WHAT NOT TO DO

By Dana Jones

Why should I care about hiring managers seeing

my social media?

• Your social media is no longer “private”

• You are judged based on what you post, even if you don’t think it’s fair

• A simple Google search can determine if you get a job or do not

37% of hiring managers use social media to make hiring decisions

(according to CareerBuilder)

“Because social media is a dominant form of communication today, you can certainly learn a lot about a person by viewing their public, online personas.”

- Rosemary Haefner, vice president of HR at CareerBuilder

What are hiring managers looking for when they see

my social media?

• To see if you are “well rounded”

• Illegal activity

• How you present yourself

• Reasons not to hire you

• To learn more about your qualifications

What positions definitely need to have social media

profiles?

• Marketing

• Public Relations

• Promotions

• Media Relations

• Event Planning

• Retail

• Entertainment

How does using social media benefit my job

search?

Companies learn more about you

Show your skill set

Display your expertise in using new media technology

How does using social media hurt my job

opportunities?

• Using profanity

• Having unprofessional photos

• Boasting about illegal activities

• Speaking negatively

I had a bad day, but tomorrow will be better.

Vs.

I hate my boss and my stupid job. #^$& this life.

Example of using social media wisely

From Mashable

How can using social media negatively impact my job search?

From Mashable

The content that you post can make hiring managers think negatively of you.

or

The content that you post can make hiring managers want to hire you.

From Mashable

8 Ways to get fired using social media

How can I use social media sites to help me?

• Check your privacy settings

• Remove any degrading or embarrassing images and wall posts

• Keep your “About me” section updated with current education

• Make sure that your “Cover photo” is presentable

• Do not post negative updates about your current or previous employer

• Add factual job history

• Have a professional photo

• Ask for recommendations from current or previous coworkers

• Connect with professionals you meet offline

• Use groups to find new opportunities and connections

• Follow companies

• Follow companies you are interested in

• Search for jobs

• Connect with hiring managers that you do not know

• Post articles about your industry

• Establish your personal brand

• Join in on Twitter chats featuring topics that will help you find a job

Social Media SuccessesI found my job on LinkedIn

I know someone who found a job via Twitter

I have made friends from Twitter

I have received business opportunities that are directly related to my blog and Twitter use

I have connected with hiring managers directly via social media

Questions?