Key Rules of Social Media
The presence of online Social Media has grown to be a daily part of our busy lives. In doing so, it has developed its own rules of etiquette. Recruiters and potential employers will use every social media platform to access any information related to a job seeker. 
Conscious job seekers would sway from posting content that would sabotage their chances of landing the perfect job. Unfortunately, some individuals forget that what is posted online can leave a fingerprint forever.
Job seekers should think of social media as an important dinner party with a potential employer. While you are putting your best foot forward and sticking to a few key rules of thumb you can feel confident to have anyone google your name and know that your social media platforms are in check!
Rules of Thumb for Social Media
- Remember that EVERYONE can potentially see your social media profiles. Even if your privacy settings are on the most private settings, a computer savvy person can easily find your photos and posts. Be careful not to post anything that could reflect negatively upon you as a potential or current employee.
- Stay positive. Post positive content that reflects well on you. Photos of substance use, nudity, controversial topics, and use of foul language may not be well received by recruiters or potential employers.
- Audit your social media when you start a new job search. Make sure all posts are ones that reflects on your ability to professionally and even creatively utilize social media.
- In the domestic arena, never share any information pertaining to work on any public platform. Photos of children, private homes, trips taken with the family, events that happen within private homes, etc., should never be put on social media.
Facts to Know about Social Media
- 3 of 4 recruiters check social media when vetting a candidate
- A study through Career Builder found that 34% of employers found reasons not to hire candidates through content shared on their profiles.
- Many companies are now hiring directly through social media meaning you can be directly connected to companies if you follow their pages.
- According to Forbes, companies like to see content that reflects upon your qualifications and knowledge in the industry you’re applying for.
- Career Builder also found that 29% of hiring managers found a positive reason to extend an offer to the candidate via social media.
Don’t give any recruiter or possible employer an opportunity to pass negative judgment before meeting you. Have your profiles represent you in a positive light that highlights your skills and abilities, your creativity and decision-making, your character and your ability to remain professional in a public environment.
Georgia Woodard
San Diego Director of Recruitment, Seaside Staffing Company
