Many job seekers think it’s best to hide or delete their social media profiles and online activity when searching for a new position. In reality, having no online presence will make you seem suspicious or even deter employers and hiring managers from pursuing you. In fact, 21 percent of hiring managers say they are less likely to consider job candidates if they can’t find information about that person online, according to The Harris Poll found Appollos Technical’s blog, SURPRISING SOCIAL MEDIA RECRUITING STATISTICS (2022).
Most recruiters and employers aren’t intentionally looking to find negatives, but rather are looking for information to support the candidate’s job qualifications and resume. When recruiters can’t find any trace of a candidate’s online presence, they may think the candidates deactivated their social media profiles because they were full of red flags or because they are trying to hide something.
Managing a LinkedIn account, Twitter profile, or professional blog are all ways to maintain an online presence while remaining professional. The key is knowing which information will help you stand out, and which information could hurt you. Learn how to orient these profiles around your professional ambitions and ensure you land your next interview.
LinkedIn Account
If you’re only going to use one social media account, I strongly recommend choosing LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is a must-have for any professional, especially when searching for a job. Both employers and recruiters alike use LinkedIn to cross reference for consistency in a candidate’s resume and work history. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, you include a professional photo, and your employment history matches the information on your resume. In addition to having a complete profile, you also need to consistently post industry-related articles or interesting updates. Another best practice is to include testimonials from colleagues and superiors, but make sure they’re from credible sources. And don’t forget, make sure you pay attention to spelling and grammar, because if you don’t, it will leave a bad impression on employers and recruiters.
Twitter Profile
Twitter is an excellent place for candidates to showcase their talent and passions. If you win an award at your company or in your community, don’t be afraid to share this on your Twitter account with pictures and a description of the award. These accomplishments don’t need to be strictly work-related either. If you just ran your first marathon or participated in a volunteer event, these are also things that can be shared on your Twitter account.
Recruiters and hiring managers often look at social media to see if someone has integrity and character. If there are inappropriate comments, behaviors, or negative comments about a past or current employer, then it gives the company insight into your true character. Instead, use Twitter as a platform to promote yourself and your brand. Connect with industry influencers and don’t be afraid to join in on conversations or link to relevant articles.
Professional Website
Social media profiles aren’t the only option when it comes to creating an online presence. One of the best ways you can promote yourself is by developing a professional website that highlights your achievements. There are a variety of content management systems to help you publish your website, but make sure to buy a domain name based on your name. Once you have a site established, you can then add your resume, create blog posts, and display your portfolio. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, a professional website is the perfect place to show off your previous design work or current projects.
Social media and professional blogs can be effective tools when searching for a job, as long as you don’t post inappropriate content.
