Job-Search and Social Media Presence

Looking for a job? Streamline your Social Media profiles!

A new study from the US has just revealed how HR departments evaluate their candidates. Employers turn to social media sites like Facebook when deciding to even call a job candidate for an interview. Research from a global security software company revealed that more than 90% of human resources professionals search for unprotected social media profiles in order to asses an applicant’s suitability. 

What employers find online has a huge impact on the job seeker’s chance of even getting an interview. The study was based on surveys of 230 human resource departments in the US and the UK.

Researchers found that job candidates who display inebriated photos on their social media sites reduce their chances of getting granted an interview by 84%, while 90% of HR Managers considered scantily dressed pictures a reason not to set up an interview.

Other actions seen on social media that can cost an applicant an employment opportunity include evidence of unbearable behavior, negative or derogative comments about previous employers, extremist views or political/religious comments.

Overall, nearly 50% of hiring managers have turned down potential candidates because of something they saw on their online profiles.

So much for personal data protection…. But what can you do about it?

How to ensure Privacy on your Social Media Sites

1: Make the most of built-in privacy and safety features

When you register for a social networking account, you'll be asked for certain personal details and should be advised how this information will be used - in other words, what will be public and what will be private on your profile.

If you have a public profile, it can be seen by anyone searching the social networking site and might also be available to people searching for profiles using a search engine, such as Google. On the other hand, a private profile allows only invited friends and members of chosen networks to view your content. 

To help members interact safely with their friends online, many leading social networking sites provide privacy and safety information and tools. You can stay in control by using built-in features such as ‘Add friends' (to allow only chosen people to view your profile) and ‘Ignore' (so you can block unwanted approaches from someone in particular). 

You should also review your ‘friends' list regularly and remove anyone you don't want to see your profile.

Finally, talk to your friends and family and ask them not to post or tag photographs of, or information about, you on their social network profiles without getting your permission first. This will help to keep you safe and your information secure.

2: Think before you post

Anything that is publicly available online could be seen by your students and other people so, before you post any information or images, consider whether it could cause you embarrassment or potentially damage your reputation or career.

Even if you have set your social networking profile to private, think twice before posting comments or images that could be misconstrued by anyone in your network.

Use your professional judgment when it comes to your digital space, just as you would in the real world.

3: Report any concerns you have

Don't suffer in silence if you're concerned about content on, or contact made via, a social networking site. Report it to a senior manager and your e-safety coordinator first of all.

Many of the leading social networking providers have reporting mechanisms and contact details on their websites so that you can report what has happened easily and quickly. Just look for the ‘Help', ‘Customer Care' or ‘Report Abuse' buttons on the social networking site.

4: It works both ways –Use your profiles in your favor

Be clever and give them what they want! Knowing that HR departments monitor your social media profiles, you can use them in your favor. If you for example are applying for a job in banking, post some informative articles about this sector on your blog or link some industry specific, favorable items on your Facebook page.