Is your Social Media content preventing you from securing a job interview?

How can what you post on social media affect getting a job?  Well, to be blunt, absolutely it can!  What if I told you that most hiring managers actually look you up on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn before they even pick up the phone to call you for the initial interview.  Depending on the job you are applying for, depends on how much in-depth research they will do of all your social media accounts.  Welcome to the new reality!

"According to a CareerBuilder study, they found that 58 percent of employers conduct social screenings to look for information supporting a candidate's qualifications for the job, 50 percent want to ensure the candidate has a professional online persona, and 34 percent want to see what other people are posting about the candidate". 

See, just like the company has a Mission statement, Vision and Core Values, they want to ensure they are hiring people that align with the company's goals.

Let's take a step back.  Do me a favor, log into your FB, IG and LinkedIn profiles, what does your profile picture look like?   If you were an employer hiring for a company, would you want to interview yourself based off of the information posted?  Do you perceive it as negative, positive or neutral?  Nobody's asking you to stop being YOU, just stop and think about what you post before you post it.  Is it necessary, is it hurtful, how would you feel about it if your child posted it? I try to look at everything through the lens of my boss or my Mother; would this make my Mom proud?  Would my boss appreciate what I am posting from a business perspective? Am I adding value to myself as an employee, Mother, friend, spouse.

Let me ask you something.  If you are taking the time to "tweak" your resume, why wouldn't you "tweak" your social media accounts?  In other words, if you are taking the time to make yourself look professional on paper, wouldn't you do the same on other platforms?

"It could cost you your current job or future job opportunities. According to a 2018 CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates during the hiring process, and about 43% of employers use social media to check on current employees".

Here are a few tips on what NOT to post on social media.

• Foul language in posts
• Nude or revealing pictures of yourself as your profile picture
• Illicit drug use of any kind including alcohol
• Rule of thumb, refrain from talking about Sex, Religion and Politics

Some things you may want to change on your social media profiles while you are actively applying for jobs.

• Have a semi-professional picture taken for your profile picture
• Include positive posts about your career and education
• Posts on your favorite hobby or activity and how that may fulfill you
• Volunteer work that you do in your free time

Most importantly, the #1 platform that employers look at immediately when someone applies is LinkedIn.  I highly encourage you to update your profile including a professional photo and stay current with your skills.  You can ask for recommendations and endorsements of your skills which employers pay close attention to.  In addition, connect with like-minded professionals and follow healthcare organizations and companies that you find interesting.  LinkedIn is your online resume, use it to your advantage!

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