At this point, most job seekers know that prospective employers may look them up online to find out more about them. Checking a candidate’s social media pages is particularly popular among employers, as it often gives the hiring manager glimpses into a job seeker’s personality, professional positioning, and more. Since that’s the case, ensuring your online presence reflects well on you is increasingly essential.
Fortunately, cleaning up your social media profiles isn’t as complicated as it seems. Here’s a closer look at what you shouldn’t and shouldn’t put on social media, just in case an employer looks you up.
What Not to Put on Social Media
Complaints About Employers or Jobs
Generally, negative comments about a current or past employer or job will hurt your candidacy when you’re looking for new opportunities. Those statements are off-putting since most hiring managers will wonder if you’d be speaking similarly about them in the future. Plus, it makes you seem ungracious, unprofessional, or even outright hostile, and those aren’t typically attitudes that employers want to invite into the workplace.
Proprietary or Sensitive Information
Divulging any company secrets – such as proprietary information or sensitive data – online comes with ramifications. Not only will other employers worry you’ll do the same to them if they hire you, but it can also open you up to legal action. Since that’s the case, it’s a surefire way to eliminate yourself from contention.
Divisive or Controversial Opinions
While people have a right to their own beliefs, sharing them online is risky. Not all hiring managers will agree with your perspective, so any posts or content that focuses on divisive or controversial opinions can cost you opportunities.
In some cases, even connections to divisive or controversial perspectives can harm your chances of landing a job. For example, liking posts in this category or following people who are associated with contentious points of view may lead employers to assume you feel the same, causing the same type of harm.
What to Put on Social Media
Professional Photos
Photographs are expected on social media, so it’s wise to have some on your accounts. However, you want to limit the images to photos that reflect well on you as a professional. A classic headshot is a solid starting point, particularly on LinkedIn. However, images from relevant events – like industry conferences – or similar profession-oriented occasions can also bolster your brand, so they’re worth including.
Industry News and Trends
Sharing information about industry news and trends on your social media accounts is an excellent way to elevate your position. This can include reposting content from reputable sources (with proper credit), directing people toward intriguing links, or similar strategies.
Posts That Demonstrate Expertise
Showcasing your expertise on social media can strengthen your position as a candidate. Whether it’s thought-leading posts, intelligent comments in groups or the content of others, or anything in that vein, it highlights your knowledge in a clear fashion. As a result, it can help hiring managers learn more about your capabilities, turning you into a more attractive candidate.
Contact Us Today!
If you’d like to learn more about how to strengthen your online presence or are seeking out new job opportunities, Selectek wants to hear from you. Contact us and speak with one of our recruiters today.
