According to CareerBuilder.com, a leading job posting website, employers have decided not hire somebody after an online scan because the candidate:
- Posted provocative or inappropriate pictures, comments and posts
- Shared confidential company information
- Made discriminatory comments
- Lied about their qualifications
- Bad mouthed past employer
- Showcased poor communication skills
In order to make sure you don’t miss out on any job opportunities it’s important to regularly conduct an online reputation check. This can be done in three easy steps. Not only will it help you tidy up your cyber image but it will also help you become more aware of what you are posting and how it could affect you future.
Step One: Go Google yourself!
Google your name to see what comes up but don’t just stop at the first or second page of the search results; especially if you have a popular name. Try to go back at least 10 pages and make a note of everything you find both positive and negative.
Step Two: Review your social media accounts with a fine toothed comb
Locate and remove all of your pictures, comments, blog or wall posts, videos, applications and groups that you wouldn’t want your mom or future boss to see. Also don’t be afraid to ask your friends to take down unflattering pictures.
Step Three: Adjust your privacy settings
Go into your account options and adjust them to a level you are comfortable with, but don’t rely on them. Anything you post is never really private no matter how tight your privacy settings are. The minute it’s online your post can be instantly saved and shared by anybody who has access to it. Also check your privacy setting regularly because websites like Facebook are notorious for changing their privacy options regularly which may leave you exposed. Bottom line Think before you post.
The good news is... what you post online can help you get the job!
According to the same website recruiters and hiring managers actually hired a candidate after an online scan because their:
- Profile supported their qualifications
- Awards and accolades were visible
- Online personality showed a good “feel”/fit
- Professional image was conveyed
- Creativity was showcased
- “Friends” posted good references about them
So don’t be afraid to use your social media accounts to post pictures, videos and articles that show off how talented you are or how much you know about the industry you want to get a job or build your career in.
