Are you one of those people that had a spectacular spring break trip to Miami and provided full-coverage of your late, wild nights on ‘the gram’ or Facebook? Although this is a common occurrence and your friends probably enjoyed learning about what you did, we want to advise you that it is not the best idea to have these memories last forever on your social media profiles! Social media has become a part of our lives now more than ever, and it is imperative that we are representing ourselves online in a positive light. We understand that there is not always a direct correlation between how we appear on social media and how we behave in real life when faced with important tasks like scoring a great job. However, because social media is an outlet of expression, Swooners thought it would be a good idea to communicate why it is so important to keep a professional social media appearance while on the job hunt. According to Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), potential employers do screen our pages, much more than we think.
Records have shown that only 48 percent of candidates believe their social media presence is important to potential employers. While many employers casually review candidate social media profiles, a Judson Group survey shows that 18 percent of companies are formalizing the process and another 17 percent say they’re considering doing so before the end of the year. Therefore, your online image could either significantly help you get ahead or tremendously hinder your pursuits in scoring the opportunity you deserve.
What are they looking for exactly?
The question many millennials pose is, “What are they looking for exactly?” According to Fast Company, 39 percent of hiring managers and employers say they are in pursuit of questionable content or behaviors. They are also looking to see if the candidate’s resume is consistent with the information/data posted on social media. Almost like a cross-check, employers are looking for any reason to take a second look at a candidate’s eligibility. On pages like Instagram and Facebook where there is a tagging feature, you should un-tag yourself from any content that may not be pleasant or workplace-friendly. If you wouldn’t want your parents or grandparents to see it, you probably shouldn’t have potential employers seeing it either!
On the flip-side, if you have beneficial material on your pages, it is important to highlight it, as it could help your application/candidacy. This content helps potential employers see your passions and further consider why you are most suitable for the opportunity. Accentuating any volunteer work, hobbies, sports or other passions shows who you are as a person rather than just as an employee.
Next Steps
Here at Swoon, we advise you to take the time to look through all your social media accounts and be sure all parts of your appearance are in tip-top shape. This will ensure a higher chance of scoring the opportunity of your dreams! Be sure to engage with our social media accounts and reach out to our recruiters to help you find the perfect career opportunity for you!
http://www.onrec.com/news/features/the-importance-of-social-media-in-recruiting