Social media use has come a long way. Not just the usual search for the latest trends and stories, connecting with friends or family or keeping up to date with current happenings around the world, it has also become a valuable job search tool that many potential candidates underestimate.
Likewise, potential employers also look in every direction online to learn all about you once you apply for a job via social media.
Research shows that 92% of companies recruit via social media and that three out of four hiring managers will search for a candidate’s social profiles before scheduling an interview.
You may ask, do companies really care about my social media accounts and take time to go through them?
Yes! They do.
Studies show that companies have actually disqualified job candidates after doing an online search or viewing an applicant’s social media. Even if nothing incriminating is found, your posts might give these companies enough reason not to hire you.
Recruiters usually search a candidate online using a variety of resources, and many of those resources are targeted to find both your active and passive talents. So, a whole lot is involved!
What then are some of these turn offs and mistakes people make when searching for a job on social media?
1.Exposing Untruthful/ Fake Qualifications Online
When searching for a job or attending an interview everyone wants to make a good impression and show off achievements and qualifications. That’s all wonderful, but submitting a fake resume online is very dangerous. Your recruiter will always do a background check, if something different is found on your social media profile, your chances of getting the job will be ruined. Lying about your qualifications can affect you professionally for life.
2. Having Photos With Drug Use or Alcohol
A lot of companies have indicated that posting about hard drugs or alcohol would negatively affect a candidate’s chances of getting a job.
Employers will most likely think that the candidate is participating in illegal activities and their company will not be a good fit for you. Avoid posting photos of yourself around hard drugs or drinking because it could leave a very bad image of yourself to your employers once they are found.
3. Using Unprofessional Profile Pictures
An employer doesn’t have to be on your friends list to see a profile photo of you on display. Just a Google search of your name pops up results. Be careful not to use indecent pictures, instead consider a professional picture—or something close to it as an alternative.
4. Be Mindful Of Your Social Media Followers
Employers aren’t concerned about you having thousands or millions of followers online, they are more interested in how you use social media to interact, build relationships and express your creativity. Be connected with the right people – Influencers, organizations, career builders and mentors in your field.
Companies are concerned about the type of content you share online. By engaging with relevant groups, they are sure to consider you and believe you have meaningful ideas and conversations to bring to the table.
5. Avoid Posting Negative Content
Posting anything that interviewers take negatively, can hurt your job interview because your employer might not approve it. Sometimes this might happen because the company doesn’t want to bring unlikely attention to themselves.
For instance, political rants and nudity. Most companies always see this as red flags. Be cautious, and avoid anything that could ruin your chances of a good job.
6. Showing Off How Wealthy You Are
Absolutely no one likes a show off. Especially employers. Showing too much of your possession online and unnecessary selfies is a huge turn off for most companies.
7. Complaining Constantly About Work and Colleagues Online
Complaining about work on social media all the time can be a huge mistake. If you’re constantly rambling, people are most likely going to take note of that attitude. While job seeking, it’s best to avoid these types of posts as they could look bad to a prospective employer who is looking to judge your work ethic. No company likes an employee who complains all the time and has a bad working relationship with those around them.
There are certain things that an employer will never let slide. It is always important to think ahead and be mindful of the things you share on all your social media accounts. If you aren’t sure something is appropriate, do not post it. Every action we take always has good or bad consequences.
