In recent blog posts, we’ve given advice on why you should be networking, and how to start building your network. But how does social media fit into your job search, and how should you be using it? Social media is unavoidable in your job search in 2015. Even if you’re not actively using social media to find your next job, employers are using it to screen candidates and learn as much as they can before they bring someone in for a face-to-face interview.
A recent survey from CareerBuilder revealed that 51 percent of employers that report researching job candidates on social media have uncovered subject matter that led them to not hire the candidate. That’s an eight percent increase from 2013, and a 17 percent increase from 2012. Given these survey results, below are our top five do’s and don’ts for using social media in your job search:
1. Fill out your LinkedIn profile.
It seems basic, but fill out your LinkedIn profile completely. Don’t skimp on the details. Think of your LinkedIn profile as your second resume, and make sure your resume content and LinkedIn profile timeline align perfectly. Pick a professional photo for your profile, not a recent vacation photo.
2. Join industry chats on Twitter.
Join Twitter if you haven’t done so already. You might be saying, “Twitter is just for kids.” Snapchat is actually the youngest social network of them all with 60% of its users falling into the 18-24 age group according to Informate. The value that Twitter brings to your job search is being able to connect and follow your industry leaders and influencers. In addition, you’ll have access to quick updates and digestible information that will make you look up-to-date and smart in an in-person interview.
3. Follow industry experts and join industry groups.
One of the many ways a potential employer will evaluate your social media presence is by the company you keep. They will evaluate what groups you have joined, and if you are a member of industry networks. This may shock you, but if you’re not active on social media and have not developed an online presence inside or outside of your industry, that can work against you.
4. Google yourself.
Do a Google search of your name, and see what comes up. This will give you insight into what an employer will find when they do the same search. If something comes up that you wouldn’t want them to see, this will give you a chance to fix it. For instance, if an unflattering photo comes up that was posted by a well-meaning relative in Facebook, even if you can’t take it down, you can go to the photo and un-tag yourself. -This is also where a having a LinkedIn profile that is completely filled out will likely rank at the top of a Google search.
5. Watch what you post on social media.
When deciding to post or not post, answer this question, “will this help me get a job, or will this hurt my job search?” If the answer is ambiguous, leave it off social media. Also, take a quick minute to update your privacy settings across all social media platforms. Make sure you know who can see what. Lastly, be selective about what you share about your job search. As cited in a cnn.com article, a recent Tweet from a possible Cisco employee about a potential job offer illustrates the need for caution:
“Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work.”
What Tim Levad, the potential Cisco employee, didn’t expect was a “channel partner advocate” for Cisco, seeing the tweet and replying with:
“Who is the hiring manger, I’m sure they would love to know that you will hate the work. We here at Cisco are versed in the Web.”
Cnn.com did not tell us if the tweet led Cisco to rescind their job offer, but that could have conceivably happened.
Remember these five tips when searching for your next position in 2015, and you’ll avoid not only potentially awkward conversations about your social media use with your next boss, you could ultimately strike social media gold resulting in getting your dream job.