You have been searching for the right position, and you have done everything you should do-updated your resume/CV and LinkedIn profile – so why aren’t you getting interviews? It could be your social media presence.
Today’s savvy employers want to know who they are asking in for an interview or hiring. With social media at an all-time high in usage, it isn’t very hard for you to get known quickly through your online presence.
Today, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other sites are an employers’ window to who you are or represent yourself to be. Even if you have set your privacy settings on high, a lot of personal information can still be accessed – including your connections, your interests and passions, your affiliations and political ideals, and your religious beliefs.
Here are a few things a potential employer might look at:
Multiple profiles. Do you have multiple profiles on various media sites? Perhaps creating multiple profiles has a meaning to you but, to an employer, the thought might be “WHY?”.
Your pictures. Is your profile picture blank, seductive, your child, an animal, silly, or a graphic? Yes, your personal life is your business, but these are immediate turnoffs to a recruiter or potential employer. Images posted by your “friends” or connections, your Likes, or emojis may also affect your online persona.
Your grammar and spelling. What do your posts reveal about you? Many employers probably would be very hesitant to hire someone as an Administrative/Executive Assistant who posted “Cease the day” rather than “Seize the day” to represent their company.
Your statements. Do you make political statements (or statements of any kind), post lewd or weird pictures and nonsense (the list is long, but the point is to be very selective)? During your career hunt, this information should probably be in “hold” status.
There are many other factors that may sway an employer from calling you in for an interview or hiring you. However, making a few changes to how and what you put in your online personality might improve your chances.
Good luck!
Picture source: Adobe Stock Photos
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