Clean Up Your Social Media - Tips for Job Seekers
In this day and age, most of us have a social media presence. We connect with friends and family, share our experiences, and express our opinions. Though our online presence is a reflection of who we are, it can create some problems during a job search. Recruiters often check our social media profiles to get a better understanding of our personality and personal interests. So, it’s essential to ensure that your social media profile is squeaky clean and professional when you’re job-seeking.
Here are some tips on cleaning up your social media for your job search.
Delete Unnecessary Posts
If you’re serious about landing a job, it’s time to delete all those unnecessary posts that might make you look bad. This includes inappropriate jokes, negative comments about previous employers, and anything that contradicts the values of the company you’d like to work for.
Be Wary of What You Post
Before you hit the ‘post’ button, think twice. Does your post align with your professional image? Does it reveal anything sensitive or controversial? If the answer is ‘yes,’ do not post it, no matter how funny or harmless it might seem.
Adjust Your Privacy Settings
Review your privacy settings and ensure that only your intended audience is viewing your posts, especially if you’re looking for a job. Consider setting your posts to private. This way, you have control over who can access your profile.
Avoid Controversial Content
Keep your posts neutral and avoid posting about controversial issues; this could reduce your chances of getting hired. Yes, you express your opinions freely, but your future employer may not share your perspective. So avoid discussing politics, religion, race, or anything that could be deemed controversial.
Use Social Media to Your Advantage
Using social media can be a great way to boost your professional image. Posting relevant content in your area of expertise can help you establish your professional brand. You can also join groups or follow pages that relate to your industry. Additionally, you can network, interact with recruiters and potential employers, and hone your communication skills.
In conclusion, social media can be both a curse and a blessing while job hunting. By adopting the tips mentioned above, you can leverage its benefits and reduce the chances of harming your chances of finding a new job. Please note that deleting or hiding your social media profile may not be the best course of action since recruiters might think you have something to hide. So, your best bet is to clean up your profile and use it to your advantage.