Online Presence

In a blog post by Capterra, a leading recruitment software provider, it comments that over 90% of recruiters use social media in their process: both to source and background check candidates. Increasingly, hiring managers and recruiters are using social media to vet candidates before the interview, and then to background check them before an offer is made. The “openness” of online media channels is effectively acting as a sift and selection tool for organisations. In this blog post, we provide some hints and tips to ensure that you optimise your own social media channels to minimise any negatives, and accentuate the positives.  

Chances are, someone is Googling you right now, checking that university degree is what you said it was, or whether you did spend a year in Thailand building community housing… What else could they find?  

First impressions now take place instantly online, the ‘seven second rule’ now applies without you even being in the same room or opening your mouth. If someone was to review your online presence on Google, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn what would they find – is it how you would want to be seen? By an employer, a future colleague or a recruiter?  

Step 1 – Research Yourself  

Be aware of what is in the “public domain” about you. Make sure you log out of your Google accounts or use a browser where you are not logged in. Go a few pages deep, and remember if nothing turns up, this isn’t necessarily good either – you want to make a positive web impression.  

Systematically check Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and Twitter. Again make sure you are logged out and view your “public profile” which is how others see you. One by one, review your accounts on all these platforms, and check how you might be perceived.  

Step 2 – Cleanse and Amend  

Refresh your profiles to ensure that they are accurate and current. If you have made any negative posts or comments on any platform or forum, this is the time to delete them. Employers are looking for people with positive attitudes and good communication skills, so ensure that any damaging comments/images are removed from your pages.  

Step 3 – Your Brand  

Image is important. Remember to use privacy settings. Ensure that your social media pages reflect your personality – both personally and professionally. LinkedIn particularly is a business networking site, and posts/images should reflect the “business” aspect, so limit any personal profile updates.