I think it’s safe to assume that most people these days use social media as a way of catching up with friends and relatives, letting people know what you’re up to and having a distraction from ‘normal life’….but have you thought about how social media could enhance or possibly negatively affect your search for work?
Many employers now use social media as a cost effective way to promote their brand. You should also be aware that employers, in addition to taking references, could run an internet search and quickly have access to your online profiles.
Used correctly social media can be a great way to enhance your job applications, increase your chances of being approached for your dream job and add another dimension to your CV.
Used incorrectly your application could be rejected for a position without you even having had the chance to attend interview – or worse still, an offer being withdrawn.
Sarah West Recruitments top tips on using social media effectively whilst you’re job hunting:-
- Look at a company’s online presence as you prepare to send them an application, or are gearing up for an interview. What information can you find out about the company and the culture which might help you? Have they got a Twitter stream or a Facebook Fan Page? What are they saying about themselves and their business?
- Profile picture:- This is the first thing any visitor to any of your profiles will see. Make sure your profile picture portrays you in a good light – so avoid pictures of you on a night out, scantily clad or in fancy dress .
- Profiles:- Make these are professional and portray you in a good light.
- Facebook:- If you don’t want people outside of your inner circle to have access to the private information and photographs held within your Facebook profile go into your settings and make sure that everything is ‘locked down’ so that its inaccessible to people other than your close friends.
- Twitter: – Be mindful that anyone can read your twitter stream and that people don’t need to be following you to do so. Just make sure that whatever you put on Twitter you would be happy to write on a bill board for the world to see.
- LinkedIn – Just as prospective employers and agencies can find your profile on here, so can your current boss! Anyone can view your profile, just be mindful of the information you put in there and the status updates you create. Ensure your profile is fully complete and if possible get some recommendations from previous colleagues, which is like having a list of references available for a prospective employer to view.
Want some ideas on how your profile’s should look and how to behave online? Look at ours, get some ideas and let’s connect!
Linked In: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/sarknight
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahwestrec / @sarahwestrec
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahWestRecruitment
