The contents of social networking sites are in the public domain and available for all to see, including prospective employers. Whether an employer uses the information to actively recruit you or even screen you out can depend on how your content portrays you.
It’s no secret that there’s a growing trend among employers to conduct Google searches as part of their hiring process. The newest twist is that this practice is beginning to seep into social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
In fact, a recent survey found that almost 20% of workers would post their resumes on z social networking site for employers to see, and a third would remove certain content from these sites if they knew their employer (or prospective employers) could see it.
Should you do the same? The short answer is yes, according to many experts.
So, if you are an active job-seeker who also uses sites such as Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn for social networking, consider the following:
- Be sure your profile and chat content reflect the image you wish to portray during your job search.
- When posting messages to friends, remember that prospective employers may be watching.
- Don’t let your screen name give you a false sense of privacy; there are many ways someone can learn your identity despite use of screen names.
- Get the most out of your social networking page. More than just a place to gather online with friends, it’s an opportunity to introduce yourself to prospective employers as well!
Making a good impression on social networking sites can help in your job search efforts. At the very least, you won’t be passed over for a job based on questionable information in your profile. If you play your cards right, it may not be long before employers will be chatting with you!
