Colleges are becoming more social savvy and because of these candidates need to be conscious of how their profiles appears to potential employers.
So what does your online profiles say about you? Here are five of things to consider and check.
Know the difference
Each social media has a different function and a different way to promote you. Sit down and take some time to learn how each social site works; especially checking their privacy settings and how they affect what you post and who sees it.
Think about what to say
Imagine you are in a room with your employers. Then think about the status you are posting to the world and this is presenting yourself online. It is easy to forget the people who can find your information when you are sat in front of a screen.
Keep it updated and don't lie!
Would you send out a CV without the latest information or your old contact information? No? Then your online profile on sites such as LinkedIn should be kept updated. Plus if a potential employer checks your online profile and finds information that contradicts your CV, this could cost you that next interview.
Think like an employer
Search your own profiles via search engines and find out what you need to change. Some of the top reasons clients reject candidates through social searches include:
1. Lying about qualifications
2. Demonstrating poor communication skills
3. Posting negative comments about a previous employer
4. Posting inappropriate photos or comments
Remember the positives
All of this doesn’t mean you should remove yourself from these networks completely. Because companies are checking social networks more and more, this gives you an added opportunity to be proactive and stand out. The top reasons were:
1. They gave a positive impression of their personality and organizational fit
2. Their profile supported their professional qualifications
3. Their profile showed them as being creative
4. The candidate had good references posted by others.
