No one is perfect and recruiters understand that. However, it is important to try to be careful and show good judgment when you post on social media. To a certain extent, your participation on social media is a reflection of yourself. This, as mentioned in the previous blog, will either improve the impression employers get of you or discourage them from employing you.
Therefore here are a few tips on how to present yourself well on social media:
- Do not present yourself partying all the time
It’s OK to post an occasional picture of you having a drink, but constantly posting images that show you drinking excessively and using drugs and/or illegal substances will obviously negatively affect any potential job. In fact, the 2018 Jobvite Recruiter Nation Report revealed that 58% of recruiters consider showing use of illegal drugs as damaging to a candidate’s hiring potential, while 42% consider pictures of alcohol consumption as damaging too.
- Do not badmouth others
When you badmouth others, it tells your potential employer that if hired, you will complain and badmouth your colleagues/bosses. This makes you look less professional and less of a team player, which are both very important in the work environment.
- Do not post inappropriate images/posts
Recruiters are looking for someone who is professional in his/her activities and such content surely does not show these qualities. Although we are free to express ourselves and our opinions online, we also have to be responsible. Presenting yourself in an indecent manner or making discriminating or derogatory remarks about others will definitely leave a negative impression.
- Keep online CV updated
If your Curriculum Vitae is presented on social media, always update it and make sure it is in line with the one you present to employers.
- Make good use of grammar/writing skills
The use of good grammar and good writing skills tells the employer that the job seeker can articulate his/her ideas well. Therefore, always review your grammar before posting on social media. In the Recruiter Nation Report of Jobvite (2018), 43% of recruiters considered this as essential.
- Adjust Your Privacy Settings
Last but certainly not least, it is essential to adjust your privacy settings on your social networks to limit access to your profile, photos, videos, comments etc. It is also very important to be careful of the posts/photos you are tagged in and to think about the possible negative consequences of inappropriate tags.
In conclusion, from an employment/recruitment perspective, social media is a powerful tool at the disposal of employers and is used as a reference point to confirm one’ suitability or unsuitability for a job. It is very easy for employers to look into the character and personality of a potential employee through social media. Therefore, before posting anything online, pause, because whatever you put out there has permanent effects, even on your career.
References:
“Recruiter Nation Study” Jobvite, 2018, www.jobvite.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-Recruiter-Nation-Study.pdf.
Ann Julene Hili is a Career Guidance Practitioner with Willingness. She specializes in working with teens and young adults who are in their educational and career transitions. She can be contacted on annjulene@willingness.com.mt or call us on 79291817.