Did You Know Social Media Could Cost You Your Job?

When you post something on social media, it’s out there for good.  The internet is a huge a place.  You don’t know who’s looking at your tweets or Facebook posts, so it’s very important to be cautious.  In terms of finding a job, employers are not hesitant to search you on social media.  In fact, according to a 2016 survey from CareerBuilder, they found that 60% of employers tend to search possible candidates on social media.  That is a staggering eight percent up from 2015.

Now lets get into some of the specifics.  Bosses from many industries look up their candidates online.  IT, for example, is at the top with 76% of employers searching and screening their candidates on social media.  IT is followed by sales which stands at 65%, then financial services at 61%, and finally healthcare and retail both tied at 59%.

The survey was conducted by Harris Poll between February 10 and March 17.  Amongst 2,186 hiring managers and 3,031 full time employees, it was discovered that six in ten employers say searched their candidates profiles online and they were “looking for information that supports their qualifications for the job.”  It’s very important to keep things up to date on your profiles, such as your LinkedIn.

You’ve seen some stats, now I’m sure you want to know how to not jeopardize your career and chances of being hired, right?  Let me give you some tips.

• 46% of employers said that provocative, inappropriate content was a huge turn-off for them.  Make sure your profiles are free of inappropriate content.
• 43% of employers said they don’t want to see pictures and evidence of their candidates drinking or doing drugs.
• Make sure to not bad-mouth your former employer(s), previous bosses, company, or former co-workers.
• 29% of employers read your writing carefully, see how you communicate on social media.

Now, I know so far some of this sound scary, but it’s not all bad.  Employers want to see your presence online.  Over a third of employers said that they have found great content from candidates that increased their chances of being hired.  You should do things like keep your profile up to date with your job qualifications, show professional Image(s), project the type of mentality and personality you have, demonstrate a wide range of interests, and lastly, show them how good of a communicator you are because employers want those who are able to communicate both verbally and in writing.

My last piece of advice for you.  Don’t put things out there that you don’t want others to see.  Keep your profile clean and professional so that it shows the type of person you are.  Get that “hired” stamp on your resume.