Social media is becoming a big way for jobs to scout possible candidates. 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates. That is why having a “messy” feed can destroy your chances at any company. Sources also show that 54% of employers didn’t hire someone based on their social media platforms. We all need to be careful about what we post online cause you never know who can find it. Here are the ten ways you can clean up your social media platforms for a job:
- GOOGLE YOURSELF
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Google is a typical beginning for many companies on how to learn about you and your social media platforms. 77% of employers use Google and other search engines to research applicants. Try and see what comes up before they do and make sure that it’s appropriate and suits the qualities you have as a candidate.
- CHANGE YOUR SETTINGS TO PRIVATE
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Finding what you post is a lot easier to do if your settings are public. Follow easy steps of editing your profile and switching your settings to private and finding the dirt on you won’t be as easy.
- DELETE PICTURES OF ALCOHOL OR DRUG REFERENCES
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Sources show that 34% of candidates were not hired if they posted information about them drinking or using drugs. Profanity is a big no-no in the career world, and as funny as it seems when you post a picture of a reference or actual alcohol or drugs, it’s not worth it in the long run. Remember that even you wouldn’t hire someone who posts pictures of that. It makes them seem unprofessional, right? Then make sure you’re presenting yourself in the best way possible!
- DELETE PROVOCATIVE PHOTOS, VIDEOS, OR POSTS
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We all have those “thirst-traps” on our feed. But as helpful as they may be or may not be, employers don’t need to see another duck face. Delete those provocative photos, videos, or posts understanding that it wouldn’t seem professional and can lower your chances of landing your dream job.
- WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE
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Language seems to be a significant barrier that can stop many from landing their dream job. Profanity is unprofessional in the, and many employers don’t want to see someone representing themselves in a way that wouldn’t be professional at the workplace. Even though your social media is yours, remember that how you endorse yourself can be detrimental to your future or present company too.
- GET RID OF NEGATIVE JOB POSTS
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Sources also show that 30% of candidates weren’t hired because they were negative about their previous company or fellow employee. You might not be considered qualified for that job. Mainly because if you bad-mouthed one company, what will stop them from thinking that you won’t bad them?
- REVIEW PAST BLOGS
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Blogs can be a helpful way of reflecting and getting your thoughts out to the world. But if any of your past blog posts seem too personal, it’s probably best to delete the entry or get rid of the blog. Employers don’t need to know about your deep and personal information unless it regards your qualifications and interests of the job.
- REVIEW YOUR RELIGIOUS OR POLITICAL RANTS
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As much as we find sharing our religious and political rants on Twitter or Facebook a good idea at the time, remember what a possible employer might think of your post. If it refers to viewpoints of the agency, it will probably be helpful to you to post, but don’t do it excessively. Remember that 32% of candidates weren’t hired because they had discriminatory comments about controversial topics.
- GET RID OF EMBARRASSING STATUSES
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Remember when we were in middle school, and we thought it would be fun to take a photo shoot with Mac’s Photobooth? Well, now that we’re adults trying to get a job in the “real world” photos like that will seem less “cool” and more embarrassing. Remember to delete anything that you wouldn’t want a future employer to see.
- ADD INTERESTS THAT PROMOTE YOUR QUALITIES AS A CANDIDATE
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Adding interests on your social media platforms that are factual and promote your qualities as a candidate can be extremely helpful for the possibilities of you landing a job. Many employers like to see you who you are as a person and how you chose to represent yourself. That is the reason why employers use search engines to research you. So, please, remember that anything you wouldn’t want your future employer to see, they probably don’t want to see either. And also know that when representing yourself, you should do it in the best way possible.