Social Media & the job market
In this day and age social media is a part of our everyday life and that includes being part of your job search. You need to be aware everything you post is out there forever and there is a more than even chance your potential employers will see it.
Depending on your industry, LinkedIn is probably your most important page professionally. Employers and recruiters use it regularly as a research tool as well as advertising available roles and candidate verification. You need to make sure your profile is up to date and correct, ensure all your roles and dates are consistent with your CV. Any discrepancies people may find in your information will leave them with doubts about you and your experience, which would likely damage your chances.
Keep your LinkedIn page professional. That is what the site is for, so leave your personal stuff for other platforms. Post things relevant to you and your industry. If you are going to post opinions, be prepared that not everyone will share your opinion so it should be something you feel strongly about and are prepared to stand by for the long haul!
When picking a photograph for your LinkedIn profile make sure you look professional. Avoid personal shots like you at the pub, beach or wedding pics, you might look gorgeous, but it can send a confusing message.
Your personal platforms can be personal but be prepared that the privacy settings wont protect everything. Anything you post can get out into the big wide world. As a general life rule you shouldn’t post anything you wouldn’t be ok with your employer seeing.
We all have a past and a youth and I’m pretty sure most of us did things we wouldn’t want to share with our boss. Depending on your age you might be in the envious position of no one having photographic proof of your indiscretions but for younger generations, this is no longer the case. If there is stuff out there about you that you not would rather there not have there, get on the front foot. There are services that can ‘clean’ the internet for you but I would always assume people can find it. If asked, be honest. Lying to a potential employer is the quickest and surest way to not get a role, especially if they have evidence to prove you are being dishonest. Admitting you have made mistakes and sharing the learnings from those mistakes indicates a maturity that can be a real asset to an organisation.
If you need a hand getting prepared to hit the market or have an interview coming up you would like some help preparing for don’t hesitate to contact us.
