Article first published on Elzette Fourie Creative Recruitment
I consider myself to be quite active with social recruiting on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Google+. It’s fair to say each of these channels has their own strengths and weaknesses, but that’s a story for another day. For now I want to talk about your online reputation.
They can see you
Through engaging with candidates commenting on job posts, I have increasingly become more and more aware of a few glaring issues. The first step most employers take is to Google your name and 9 times out of 10 your social media profiles pop up on page 1.
Oh the things I’ve seen. Most candidates’ social media profiles are not set to private; they’re open for anyone to view. What do you think the chances are of a recruiter inviting you to come in for an interview if you have drunk photos of yourself on your profile, politically incorrect posts, swearing and may I add (and I’ve seen this on a few occasions) indications that you publically follow x-rated groups. I’m guessing those chances are quite slim, don’t you?
See what they see
There is a simple way for you to check what people outside of your network can see on Facebook for instance. Look at your profile, bottom right of your cover photo there are 3 dots, click on it and select ‘view as’. If you have strange or inappropriate things on your profile, rather make it private.
Make yourself look better
Make sure your profiles are clean and professional, even if it’s just for socializing. If it’s not, it can have a horrible effect on your career. Once something is on the internet, it’s there forever, so think very carefully before you post anything. Without having too much of a rant about this, check your spelling and do not use text language – ever! Fill in your bios on your social pages so that people can find you or so that your mates know when they see a job that might suit you to let you know.
Here are a few interesting stats I came across recently:
- 93% of recruiters will review a candidate’s social profile before making a hiring decision.
- 55% of recruiters have reconsidered a candidate based on their social profile, with 61% of those reconsiderations being negative.
- Positive things to post about are volunteering, charities and donations.
- Negative things are profanities, spelling / grammar, Illegal drug references, sexual posts, alcohol, guns & violence.
Applying for a job through social media
Then lastly, when you’re interested in a job that is posted on social media, do not, I repeat, DO NOT comment by giving your phone number or saying yes. Read the post, click on the link, read the job description and then follow the instructions on how to apply. Make sure you actually know what you are applying for. Make it a pleasure for the recruiter to receive your application the correct way. No one has the time to run around after you. Remember – you are the one that needs the job, one out of hundreds or thousands of other people. Make yourself stand out by doing it the right way and spellcheck before you press send.
