Job Search & Social Media

According to a 2017 national survey conducted on behalf of CareerBuilder by Harris Poll, more than 2,300 hiring managers and human resource professionals showed that employers use social media to screen candidates before hiring.

Careful

Recruiters and hiring managers use the internet to learn about applicants. Negative statements about past employers, inappropriate social media behavior, and other reputation-damaging actions can ruin job search efforts. Social media reveals questionable behaviors such as drug use, extensive selfie uploads, sharing inappropriate images, poor communication skills, political rants, and more. 

Investigate

Using a browser, search your name. The results will reveal a digital footprint associated with your name. If your online brand is lackluster, consider taking action to improve your digital footprint.

It’s common for job seekers to have professional and personal online personas that tell a similar story. Social media can boost your digital footprint when information is posted about volunteering, mentoring, or helping your community. 

Consider

Not sure if an activity is appropriate for social media? Err on the side of caution and don’t post. If a good friend were ashamed of your post, then it probably should not be shared. Content posted on the internet tends to stay on the internet.