Would you want an employer looking at your social media?

Posted on 10/07/2018 by Jess O'Connor

Imagine you are going for a job interview. You choose a professional outfit, practice speaking in front of the mirror, and get ready to impress your interviewer with your experience and dedication. You know you are going to make a wonderful first impression.

But, what if your first impression wasn’t when you walked into the interview room to meet your potential employer?

What if your first impression was when they did a quick Google search of your name and viewed your social media accounts?

Do your Instagram and Facebook profiles make a good first impression — or do they show your more relaxed, social side?

In today’s job market, it’s essential to create a professional online presence. Whether you agree with it or not, most employers will do a Google search of your name before they meet you. And do you really want them seeing pictures of you hanging out with your friends on the weekend?

With this in mind, it’s important to take steps to protect your online privacy.

Tips for creating a professional online presence

• Make sure your social media accounts are all set to private, unless you are happy for anyone to view what you post.

• If your social media accounts are public, always ask yourself before you post: would I feel comfortable with a stranger or a potential employer seeing this picture or reading this comment?

• Consider using a fake name or a nickname for your personal accounts, so only your close friends or family will be able to search for you.

• Choose a professional profile picture and cover photo, as these images can often be viewed by anyone — even if your account is private.

• Create a LinkedIn profile — this shows initiative and is a good place to write a professional blurb about yourself and list your qualifications. You can also follow potential employers on this social network.

• Tell your friends and family to be respectful when tagging you in photos or posting comments on your social media profiles. On some social media, you can also change the settings so you have the power to review every post/image someone tags you in before it’s made public.

• Be kind, courteous and respectful when interacting in Facebook groups and other online forums — just as you would be in person. Remember, even though you are posting from a computer or a phone, you’re still interacting with real people. So treat others as you’d like to be treated, and you can’t go far wrong.

We hope these tips help you to make a wonderful first impression, both online and in person. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to approach your tutors or ITC’s employment consultants.

Posted in News, Study inspiration | Tagged industry employers, job interviews, job tips, social media |