Social Media. Business etiquette for candidates when having an online profile.
A recent online survey of 550 hiring managers found 92% are currently or will soon start using social media as an integral part of their recruitment process and believe (or like) it or not, the majority say that this includes Facebook and LinkedIn . The survey also pointed out that companies are becoming more weary and suspicious of potential candidates that dont have a social media presence.
Some important points from the survey found that:-
- 74% looked at candidates' Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn profiles to see if they display behavior that is unsuitable / suitable for the job or company.
- 68% had rejected a candidate based on social media postings;
- 15% (and growing) were suspicious of a candidate that had no visible social media presence.
Most employers check social media before hiring
Employers are increasingly looking at social media to find out how potential candidates and employees behave out of work and to see what they say online.
Mark Jones Digital Media commented Todays Top Employers have a stringent hiring process which means your social media and online presence has to stand up to a business overview. It is becoming common practice for employers to view your LinkedIn and even your Facebook page prior to making the all-important job offer
There are a few things you can do today to avoid getting caught out if you want a potential employer to find you on Facebook or LinkedIn or Twitter.
1) Update your work and education info. Social media platforms contain a section for work and education make sure that this is as complete as possible if a company is to stand any chance of finding you!
2) Like things that are relevant to you professionally. Again, increase your visibility to an employer by showing that you are motivated by the things that matter to you professionally. Find companies that interest you and engage with them often as simple as clicking like or share
3) Review your photos. Are they all pictures that you are happy for a prospective employer to see? Are you happy for your Mum to see them come to think of it? Have a double check!
4) Check your privacy settings. You can still set your social media profiles so that only your verified friends or connections can see pretty much all the info about you, activity, photos, videos, likes etc.
A key thing to check on is whether parts of your profile are viewable to friends of friends did you know this could easily be over 50,000 people?!
It means that inappropriate photographs, statements and behavior on sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are damaging the job prospects for candidates, and if you are aware of these simple rules you are more likely to get to the next stage of the recruitment process.
This isnt designed to scare you or put you off using Social Media as a way to find a new job. Its just some important points to make sure that someone can find you if they want to and that when they do find you you are happy with what image of you theyd get.
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