Employers are coming up with new ways to see if a candidate is the right fit for their company. They want to know who a person really is before they have to endure that phony facade that is displayed during the job interview. Employers are now turning to social media sites such as: Facebook and Twitter to determine who they should and should not hire to be a part of their company.
While I am not a huge social media user, I do indulge from time to time. Howsoever, I don’t believe that there is anything too incriminating on my pages that would forfeit the job of my dreams.
Here are my Top 5 Tips on Social Media Etiquette for the Potential Employee
1. Name
When using social media, make sure that you’re using the same name as the one that’s on your job application. If you were born Jane Doe, then make sure your Facebook name says Jane Doe. If you’re married, use your married name. You might as well scream ” I don’t want the job, when using a name like Jane BeenBoutThatLife Doe or Joseph IPartyEveryWeekend Doe.
I know you’re probably thinking, well how will employers find me anyways if I don’t have the correct name available? Simple, 9/10 people use the same e-mail address as their Facebook username and the one that’s included on your resume. If a potential employer types in your e-mail address, it will navigate to your Facebook profile.
2. Privacy
With the wrong privacy settings, your whole Facebook or Twitter page can be seen by your prospective employer. Take the time to adjust your privacy settings, so that what you post is seen by who you want to see it, not everyone in the world. There is nothing wrong with posting photos from your vacation or a night out on the town, just make sure it’s appropriate. Trust me, you do not want your employer or your future employer to see all of those “wild and crazy” pictures from Vegas or that time you spent down in Cabo.
3. Language
This has two parts.
a) Grammar: Lern twhoo spel yur werdz korectlee. Before you post a status, make sure that all of your words are correct and clear. It is always a good idea to go back and reread what you’ve written before posting it online. You want to make sure that if your employer were to see what you’ve written they will be able to understand it. It’s not saying that you’re not going to have typos and mistakes, but there’s a big difference from writing: I love my best friend and Ii luuv mhy bezt frewend. HUGE DIFFERENCE!
b) Badmouthing- Be careful of the language that you use online. Too much vulgarity doesn’t sound cool, it sounds ignorant and tells a prospective employer that you don’t have a vocabulary outside of profanity.
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT under ANY circumstances bad mouth your employer or co-worker. Keep it positive. No one likes to be bad mouthed. A prospective employer may think you might do the same to them if you aren’t happy.
4. Network
While Facebook and Twitter are great for keeping in touch with friends and family, it is also a great way to network with other people. Don’t be afraid to extend a “yourself”, if you come across someone who works in a particular job field you want to work in. You never know, by establishing a connection with this person they may know someone who can get you in, if they can’t bring you themselves.
5. Relevancy
Look for related stories and blog posts, and share the links. You want to get people interested in what you have found. Future employers will be able to see that you’re up on current events, especially if it’s relevant to your field.
*Bonus: Keep Information Updated and Forgo the TMI
What’s a better way for a potential employer to get to know you, if you won’t even update your profile information such as: current photo, favorite quote(s), about me, and current city. I do believe that you should keep your political and religious views private. You don’t want those to be the cause of you not getting a job.
Also, there is a high probability that you’ve friended or followed someone in your profession. Even if you haven’t, I doubt anyone wants to know that you’re getting ready to go fight this girl for posting on your boyfriend’s Facebook wall, or tweeting about the awesome sex you just had. I’ve read once that if you wouldn’t say it to your Grandmother, don’t post it online.
While it is true that you may do whatever you please on your Facebook and Twitter page, doing so may cost you the job you’ve been longing for. If you don’t want potential employers running for the hills, make sure that you implement these social media etiquette tips.