If you were an employer, what would you think about your social media profiles? Are you posting appropriate pictures with friends and family on Facebook? Are you posting your last meal on Instagram? Are you posting relevant newsworthy articles on LinkedIn? Are you posting controversial political posts to Twitter?
According to a CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates. In fact, social recruiting is now a huge part of the hiring process. Many employers have people working solely to comb through candidates social media.
So, what exactly are employers looking for on your social media?
Employers are looking for insight on your character and personal life. Do you have an online following? Are you posting appropriate pictures? Are you up to date on modern social platforms? Is there anything about you on the internet that can damage a Company’s reputation? What are other people posting about you?
Now, let’s not be afraid of social media and instead use it to our advantage to seal the deal on your job process. When posting to Facebook and Instagram, use it as an opportunity to show your personality. Show things that make you original, use it as a place to make you stand out and show what you can add to a Company’s culture. When posting to LinkedIn, try to stay conservative. Post only work-related content and make sure your experiences line up with your resume you are applying with.
Going forward, pretend your future employer is going to see everything you put up. It will make you rethink what you post.