3 Social Profile Elements for Job Seekers to Consider

Looking for a job?

You’re not alone, and the competition for high paying jobs is getting tougher and tougher. That is why you spend the time to dress right, clean up your resume, work on your cover letter, and do a little research on the company and position you are applying for.

However, with so many qualified applicants, and with the majority of people maintaining profiles online, employers are taking the time to research you as well.

The last thing you want is something on your Facebook or Twitter account to detract from your possibility of getting that job you worked so hard for.

With that in mind, here are a handful of things you should check and adjust on your social media profiles, when searching for a job.

Social Profile Images

First impressions are everything and usually last a long time – and that’s what you need; a positive lasting impression.

Social profile pictures speak a thousand words.. In a matter of seconds, a potential employer can quickly decide on whether or not to hire you or call you in for an interview based solely on your social profile image, it’s your first impression and a visual one, make it count.

Take a moment to check your social profile images to make sure it portrays the image you want for potential employers. Don’t forget your old profiles either, like Friendster or Myspace.

Consider doing a search for your name and see what profiles come up.

Here are some tips to consider when selecting your social profile image:

Do:
1) Select a clean and professional looking photo.
2) Make sure to keep your questionable photos private.

Don’t:
1) Post images of you partying hard, drinking, or other inappropriate actions.
2) Use your pet, an avatar, celebrity, or other similar type photos.

Social Profile “About Me” Pages

This is where you have the chance to describe yourself for anyone looking to learn more about you.

When creating or updating these pages, make sure you consider them as your online resume.

Remember that in today’s world, your Social profiles are a part of your resume, presenting real-time updates of what you do and your interests.

Do:
1) Keep all information updated, including your city, contact information, previous jobs, and more.
2) Keep it concise, professional, and informative.
3) Review it from a potential employers point of view.

Don’t
1) Include unnecessary information in your profile.
2) Lie about your qualifications or previous job descriptions.

Your Social Media Activities

In most cases, once it’s on the internet, it’s there forever.

With that in mind, you need to spend some time self-censoring while searching for a job. Your updates should portray you in a positive and professional manner.

Do:
1) Watch your grammar and spelling because many recruiters believe that faulty grammar and spelling demonstrates poor communication skills.
2) Look active – in a professional way. Sharing content (photos, articles, videos) of potential employer’s industry can get you noticed.
3) Make your profile show interests, skills and hobbies that would display your qualifications for the job position you’re interested in.
4) Give a positive impression of your personality.
5) Increase your privacy settings and censor your content if you are likely to commit any of the following actions below.

Don’t:
1) Post negative comments about your previous boss or employer.
2) Make discriminatory comments or discuss extreme beliefs and ideas.
3) Post provocative content (any drug-related content, photos of you partying, etc.)
4) Use profanity or derogatory language in your updates.
5) Advertise political, religious or controversial affiliations.
6) Complain or portray yourself as difficult or confrontational.

The above are just a few considerations, but should help to make sure you portray a positive and professional image to employers, when they are checking up on you.

Outside the job-hunting process, it is important to ensure that your profile remains current and professional, as this will always reflect your reputation and image.